Self organizing backhaul radio

ABSTRACT

A self-organizing backhaul radio (SOBR) and related arrangements are disclosed. A “primary” link between an first SOBR enabled radio and a second SOBR radio includes a secondary transmission link, referred to as a signature control channel (SCC), as a spread spectrum modulated signal embedded within and transmitted simultaneously with the primary link. The SCC transmissions from the first SOBR radio may be utilized by other SOBR enabled radios to determine an interference level to or from the first SOBR radio&#39;s primary link. The SCC transmission may be utilized to allow transmit beam forming between SOBR-enabled radios without damaging other friendly SOBR radios within the propagation distance of the transmitted signals based upon the detection of the SCC transmissions.

PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/502,471, filed Sep. 30, 2014, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/098,456,filed Dec. 5, 2013 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/337,744,filed Jul. 22, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/645,472, filed on Oct. 4, 2012, (U.S. Pat. No. 8,811,365)which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/371,366, filed on Feb. 10, 2012, (U.S. Pat. No. 8,311,023) which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/212,036,filed on Aug. 17, 2011, (U.S. Pat. No. 8,238,318), the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to data networking and inparticular to a backhaul radio for connecting remote edge accessnetworks to core networks.

2. Related Art

Data networking traffic has grown at approximately 100% per year forover 20 years and continues to grow at this pace. Only transport overoptical fiber has shown the ability to keep pace with thisever-increasing data networking demand for core data networks. Whiledeployment of optical fiber to an edge of the core data network would beadvantageous from a network performance perspective, it is oftenimpractical to connect all high bandwidth data networking points withoptical fiber at all times. Instead, connections to remote edge accessnetworks from core networks are often achieved with wireless radio,wireless infrared, and/or copper wireline technologies.

Radio, especially in the form of cellular or wireless local area network(WLAN) technologies, is particularly advantageous for supportingmobility of data networking devices. However, cellular base stations orWLAN access points inevitably become very high data bandwidth demandpoints that require continuous connectivity to an optical fiber corenetwork.

When data aggregation points, such as cellular base station sites, WLANaccess points, or other local area network (LAN) gateways, cannot bedirectly connected to a core optical fiber network, then an alternativeconnection, using, for example, wireless radio or copper wirelinetechnologies, must be used. Such connections are commonly referred to as“backhaul.”

Many cellular base stations deployed to date have used copper wirelinebackhaul technologies such as T1, E1, DSL, etc. when optical fiber isnot available at a given site. However, the recent generations of HSPA+and LTE cellular base stations have backhaul requirements of 100 Mb/s ormore, especially when multiple sectors and/or multiple mobile networkoperators per cell site are considered. WLAN access points commonly havesimilar data backhaul requirements. These backhaul requirements cannotbe practically satisfied at ranges of 300 m or more by existing copperwireline technologies. Even if LAN technologies such as Ethernet overmultiple dedicated twisted pair wiring or hybrid fiber/coax technologiessuch as cable modems are considered, it is impractical to backhaul atsuch data rates at these ranges (or at least without adding intermediaterepeater equipment). Moreover, to the extent that such special wiring(i.e., CAT 5/6 or coax) is not presently available at a remote edgeaccess network location; a new high capacity optical fiber isadvantageously installed instead of a new copper connection.

Rather than incur the large initial expense and time delay associatedwith bringing optical fiber to every new location, it has been common tobackhaul cell sites, WLAN hotspots, or LAN gateways from offices,campuses, etc. using microwave radios. An exemplary backhaul connectionusing the microwave radios 132 is shown in FIG. 1. Traditionally, suchmicrowave radios 132 for backhaul have been mounted on high towers 112(or high rooftops of multi-story buildings) as shown in FIG. 1, suchthat each microwave radio 132 has an unobstructed line of sight (LOS)136 to the other. These microwave radios 132 can have data rates of 100Mb/s or higher at unobstructed LOS ranges of 300 m or longer withlatencies of 5 ms or less (to minimize overall network latency).

Traditional microwave backhaul radios 132 operate in a Point-to-point(PTP) configuration using a single “high gain” (typically>30 dBi oreven>40 dBi) antenna at each end of the link 136, such as, for example,antennas constructed using a parabolic dish. Such high gain antennasmitigate the effects of unwanted multipath self-interference or unwantedco-channel interference from other radio systems such that high datarates, long range and low latency can be achieved. These high gainantennas however have narrow radiation patterns.

Furthermore, high gain antennas in traditional microwave backhaul radios132 require very precise, and usually manual, physical alignment oftheir narrow radiation patterns in order to achieve such highperformance results. Such alignment is almost impossible to maintainover extended periods of time unless the two radios have a clearunobstructed line of sight (LOS) between them over the entire range ofseparation. Furthermore, such precise alignment makes it impractical forany one such microwave backhaul radio to communicate effectively withmultiple other radios simultaneously (i.e., a “point-to-multipoint”(PMP) configuration).

In wireless edge access applications, such as cellular or WLAN, advancedprotocols, modulation, encoding and spatial processing across multipleradio antennas have enabled increased data rates and ranges for numeroussimultaneous users compared to analogous systems deployed 5 or 10 yearsago for obstructed LOS propagation environments where multipath andco-channel interference were present. In such systems, “low gain”(usually <6 dBi) antennas are generally used at one or both ends of theradio link both to advantageously exploit multipath signals in theobstructed LOS environment and allow operation in different physicalorientations as would be encountered with mobile devices. Althoughimpressive performance results have been achieved for edge access, suchresults are generally inadequate for emerging backhaul requirements ofdata rates of 100 Mb/s or higher, ranges of 300 m or longer inobstructed LOS conditions, and latencies of 5 ms or less.

In particular, “street level” deployment of cellular base stations, WLANaccess points or LAN gateways (e.g., deployment at street lamps, trafficlights, sides or rooftops of single or low-multiple story buildings)suffers from problems because there are significant obstructions for LOSin urban environments (e.g., tall buildings, or any environments wheretall trees or uneven topography are present).

FIG. 1 illustrates edge access using conventional unobstructed LOS PTPmicrowave radios 132. The scenario depicted in FIG. 1 is common for many2^(nd) Generation (2G) and 3^(rd) Generation (3G) cellular networkdeployments using “macrocells”. In FIG. 1, a Cellular Base TransceiverStation (BTS) 104 is shown housed within a small building 108 adjacentto a large tower 112. The cellular antennas 116 that communicate withvarious cellular subscriber devices 120 are mounted on the towers 112.The PTP microwave radios 132 are mounted on the towers 112 and areconnected to the BTSs 104 via an nT1 interface. As shown in FIG. 1 byline 136, the radios 132 require unobstructed LOS.

The BTS on the right 104 a has either an nT1 copper interface or anoptical fiber interface 124 to connect the BTS 104 a to the Base StationController (BSC) 128. The BSC 128 either is part of or communicates withthe core network of the cellular network operator. The BTS on the left104 b is identical to the BTS on the right 104 a in FIG. 1 except thatthe BTS on the left 104 b has no local wireline nT1 (or optical fiberequivalent) so the nT1 interface is instead connected to a conventionalPTP microwave radio 132 with unobstructed LOS to the tower on the right112 a. The nT1 interfaces for both BTSs 104 a, 104 b can then bebackhauled to the BSC 128 as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the major subsystems of a conventional PTPmicrowave radio 200A for the case of Time-Division Duplex (TDD)operation, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the major subsystems of aconventional PTP microwave radio 200B for the case of Frequency-DivisionDuplex (FDD) operation.

As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the conventional PTP microwave radiotraditionally uses one or more (i.e. up to “n”) T1 interfaces 204A and204B (or in Europe, E1 interfaces). These interfaces (204A and 204B) arecommon in remote access systems such as 2G cellular base stations orenterprise voice and/or data switches or edge routers. The T1 interfacesare typically multiplexed and buffered in a bridge (e.g., the InterfaceBridge 208A, 208B) that interfaces with a Media Access Controller (MAC)212A, 212B.

The MAC 212A, 212B is generally denoted as such in reference to asub-layer of Layer 2 within the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI)reference model. Major functions performed by the MAC include theframing, scheduling, prioritizing (or “classifying”), encrypting anderror checking of data sent from one such radio at FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B toanother such radio. The data sent from one radio to another is generallyin a “user plane” if it originates at the T1 interface(s) or in the“control plane” if it originates internally such as from the Radio LinkController (RLC) 248A, 248B shown in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the Modem 216A, 216B typicallyresides within the “baseband” portion of the Physical (PHY) layer 1 ofthe OSI reference model. In conventional PTP radios, the baseband PHY,depicted by Modem 216A, 216B, typically implements scrambling, forwarderror correction encoding, and modulation mapping for a single RFcarrier in the transmit path. In receive, the modem typically performsthe inverse operations of demodulation mapping, decoding anddescrambling. The modulation mapping is conventionally QuadratureAmplitude Modulation (QAM) implemented with In-phase (I) andQuadrature-phase (Q) branches.

The Radio Frequency (RF) 220A, 220B also resides within the PHY layer ofthe radio. In conventional PTP radios, the RF 220A, 220B typicallyincludes a single transmit chain (Tx) 224A, 224B that includes I and Qdigital to analog converters (DACs), a vector modulator, optionalupconverters, a programmable gain amplifier, one or more channelfilters, and one or more combinations of a local oscillator (LO) and afrequency synthesizer. Similarly, the RF 220A, 220B also typicallyincludes a single receive chain (Rx) 228A, 228B that includes I and Qanalog to digital converters (ADCs), one or more combinations of an LOand a frequency synthesizer, one or more channel filters, optionaldownconverters, a vector demodulator and an automatic gain control (AGC)amplifier. Note that in many cases some of the one or more LO andfrequency synthesizer combinations can be shared between the Tx and Rxchains.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, conventional PTP radios 200A, 200B alsoinclude a single power amplifier (PA) 232A, 232B. The PA 232A, 232Bboosts the transmit signal to a level appropriate for radiation from theantenna in keeping with relevant regulatory restrictions andinstantaneous link conditions. Similarly, such conventional PTP radios232A, 232B typically also include a single low-noise amplifier (LNA)236, 336 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The LNA 236A, 236B boosts thereceived signal at the antenna while minimizing the effects of noisegenerated within the entire signal path.

As described above, FIG. 2A illustrates a conventional PTP radio 200Afor the case of TDD operation. As shown in FIG. 2A, conventional PTPradios 200A typically connect the antenna 240A to the PA 232A and LNA236A via a band-select filter 244A and a single-pole, single-throw(SPST) switch 242A.

As described above, FIG. 2B illustrates a conventional PTP radio 200Bfor the case of FDD operation. As shown in FIG. 2B, in conventional PTPradios 200B, then antenna 240B is typically connected to the PA 232B andLNA 236B via a duplexer filter 244B. The duplexer filter 244B isessentially two band-select filters (tuned respectively to the Tx and Rxbands) connected at a common point.

In the conventional PTP radios shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the antenna240A, 240B is typically of very high gain such as can be achieved by aparabolic dish so that gains of typically >30 dBi (or even sometimes >40dBi), can be realized. Such an antenna usually has a narrow radiationpattern in both the elevation and azimuth directions. The use of such ahighly directive antenna in a conventional PTP radio link withunobstructed LOS propagation conditions ensures that the modem 216A,216B has insignificant impairments at the receiver (antenna 240A, 240B)due to multipath self-interference and further substantially reduces thelikelihood of unwanted co-channel interference due to other nearby radiolinks.

Although not explicitly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the conventional PTPradio may use a single antenna structure with dual antenna feedsarranged such that the two electromagnetic radiation patterns emanatedby such an antenna are nominally orthogonal to each other. An example ofthis arrangement is a parabolic dish. Such an arrangement is usuallycalled dual-polarized and can be achieved either by orthogonal verticaland horizontal polarizations or orthogonal left-hand circular andright-hand circular polarizations.

When duplicate modem blocks, RF blocks, and PA/LNA/switch blocks areprovided in a conventional PTP radio, then connecting each PHY chain toa respective polarization feed of the antenna allows theoretically up totwice the total amount of information to be communicated within a givenchannel bandwidth to the extent that cross-polarizationself-interference can be minimized or cancelled sufficiently. Such asystem is said to employ “dual-polarization” signaling. Such systems maybe referred to as having two “streams” of information, whereas multipleinput multiple output (MIMO) systems utilizing spatial multiplexing mayachieve successful communications using even more than two streams inpractice.

When an additional circuit (not shown) is added to FIG. 2A that canprovide either the RF Tx signal or its anti-phase equivalent to eitherone or both of the two polarization feeds of such an antenna, then“cross-polarization” signaling can be used to effectively expand theconstellation of the modem within any given symbol rate or channelbandwidth. With two polarizations and the choice of RF signal or itsanti-phase, then an additional two information bits per symbol can becommunicated across the link. Theoretically, this can be extended andexpanded to additional phases, representing additional information bits.At the receiver, for example, a circuit (not shown) could detect if thetwo received polarizations are anti-phase with respect to each other, ornot, and then combine appropriately such that the demodulator in themodem block can determine the absolute phase and hence deduce the valuesof the two additional information bits. Cross-polarization signaling hasthe advantage over dual-polarization signaling in that it is generallyless sensitive to cross-polarization self-interference but for highorder constellations such as 64-QAM or 256-QAM, the relative increase inchannel efficiency is smaller.

In the conventional PTP radios shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, substantiallyall the components are in use at all times when the radio link isoperative. However, many of these components have programmableparameters that can be controlled dynamically during link operation tooptimize throughout and reliability for a given set of potentiallychanging operating conditions. The conventional PTP radios of FIGS. 2Aand 2B control these link parameters via a Radio Link Controller (RLC)248A, 248B. The RLC functionality is also often described as a LinkAdaptation Layer that is typically implemented as a software routineexecuted on a microcontroller within the radio that can access the MAC212A, 212B, Modem 216A, 216B, RF 220A, 220B and/or possibly othercomponents with controllable parameters. The RLC 248A, 248B typicallycan both vary parameters locally within its radio and communicate with apeer RLC at the other end of the conventional PTP radio link via“control frames” sent by the MAC 212A, 212B with an appropriateidentifying field within a MAC Header.

Typical parameters controllable by the RLC 248A, 248B for the Modem216A, 216B of a conventional PTP radio include encoder type, encodingrate, constellation selection and reference symbol scheduling andproportion of any given PHY Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). Typicalparameters controllable by the RLC 248A, 248B for the RF 220A, 220B of aconventional PTP radio include channel frequency, channel bandwidth, andoutput power level. To the extent that a conventional PTP radio employstwo polarization feeds within its single antenna, additional parametersmay also be controlled by the RLC 248A, 248B as self-evident from thedescription above.

In conventional PTP radios, the RLC 248A, 248B decides, usuallyautonomously, to attempt such parameter changes for the link in responseto changing propagation environment characteristics such as, forexample, humidity, rain, snow, or co-channel interference. There areseveral well-known methods for determining that changes in thepropagation environment have occurred such as monitoring the receivesignal strength indicator (RSSI), the number of or relative rate of FCSfailures at the MAC 212A, 212B, and/or the relative value of certaindecoder accuracy metrics. When the RLC 248A, 248B determines thatparameter changes should be attempted, it is necessary in most casesthat any changes at the transmitter end of the link become known to thereceiver end of the link in advance of any such changes. Forconventional PTP radios, and similarly for many other radios, there areat least two well-known techniques that in practice may not be mutuallyexclusive. First, the RLC 248A, 248B may direct the PHY, usually in theModem 216A, 216B relative to FIGS. 2A and 2B, to pre-pend a PHY layerconvergence protocol (PLCP) header to a given PPDU that includes one ormore (or a fragment thereof) given MPDUs wherein such PLCP header hasinformation fields that notify the receiving end of the link ofparameters used at the transmitting end of the link. Second, the RLC248A, 248B may direct the MAC 212A, 212B to send a control frame,usually to a peer RLC 248A, 248B, including various information fieldsthat denote the link adaptation parameters either to be deployed or tobe requested or considered.

The foregoing describes at an overview level the typical structural andoperational features of conventional PTP radios which have been deployedin real-world conditions for many radio links where unobstructed (orsubstantially unobstructed) LOS propagation was possible. Theconventional PTP radio on a whole is completely unsuitable forobstructed LOS PTP or PMP operation.

More recently, as briefly mentioned, there has been significant adoptionof so called multiple input multiple output (MIMO) techniques, whichutilizes spatial multiplexing of multiple information streams between aplurality of transmission antennas to a plurality of receive antennas.The adoption of MIMO has been most beneficial in wireless communicationsystems for use in environments having significant multipath scatteringpropagation. One such system is IEEE802.11n for use in home networkingAttempts have been made to utilize MIMO and spatial multiplexing in lineof sight environments having minimal scattering, which have generallybeen met with failure, in contrast to the use of cross polarizedcommunications. For example IEEE802.11n based Mesh networked nodesdeployed at streetlight elevation in outdoor environments oftenexperience very little benefit from the use of spatial multiplexing dueto the lack of a rich multipath propagation environment. Additionally,many of these deployments have limited range between adjacent mesh nodesdue to physical obstructions resulting in the attenuation of signallevels.

Radios and systems with MIMO capabilities intended for use in both nearline of sight (NLOS) and line of sight (LOS) environments are disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/212,036, now U.S. Pat. No.8,238,318, and Ser. No. 13/536,927, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference, and are referred to herein by the term “IntelligentBackhaul Radio” (IBR).

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed IBRs.In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the IBRs include interfaces 304A, interface bridge308A, MAC 312A, modem 324A, channel MUX 328A, RF 332A, which includesTx1 . . . TxM 336A and Rx1 . . . RxN 340A, IBR Antenna Array 348A(includes multiple antennas 352A), a Radio Link Controller (RLC) 356Aand a Radio Resource Controller (RRC) 360A. The IBR may optionallyinclude an “Intelligent Backhaul Management System” (or “IBMS”) agent370B as shown in FIG. 3B. It will be appreciated that the components andelements of the IBRs may vary from that illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Embodiments of such intelligent backhaul radios, as disclosed in theforegoing references, include one or more demodulator cores within modem324A, wherein each demodulator core demodulates one or more receivesymbol streams to produce a respective receive data interface stream; aplurality of receive RF chains 340A within IBR RF 332A to convert from aplurality of receive RF signals from IBR Antenna Array 348A, to aplurality of respective receive chain output signals; a frequencyselective receive path channel multiplexer within IBR Channelmultiplexer 328A, interposed between the one or more demodulator coresand the plurality of receive RF chains, to produce the one or morereceive symbol streams provided to the one or more demodulator coresfrom the plurality of receive chain output signals; an IBR Antenna Array(348A) including: a plurality of directive gain antenna elements 352A;and one or more selectable RF connections that selectively couplecertain of the plurality of directive gain antenna elements to certainof the plurality of receive RF chains, wherein the number of directivegain antenna elements that can be selectively coupled to receive RFchains exceeds the number of receive RF chains that can accept receiveRF signals from the one or more selectable RF connections; and a radioresource controller, wherein the radio resource controller sets orcauses to be set the specific selective couplings between the certain ofthe plurality of directive gain antenna elements and the certain of theplurality of receive RF chains.

The intelligent backhaul radio may further include one or more modulatorcores within IBR Modem 324A, wherein each modulator core modulates arespective transmit data interface stream to produce one or moretransmit symbol streams; a plurality of transmit RF chains 336A withinIBR RF 332A, to convert from a plurality of transmit chain input signalsto a plurality of respective transmit RF signals; a transmit pathchannel multiplexer within IBR Channel MUX 328A, interposed between theone or more modulator cores and the plurality of transmit RF chains, toproduce the plurality of transmit chain input signals provided to theplurality of transmit RF chains from the one or more transmit symbolstreams; and, wherein the IBR Antenna Array 348A further includes aplurality of RF connections to couple at least certain of the pluralityof directive gain antenna elements to the plurality of transmit RFchains.

The primary responsibility of the RLC 356A in exemplary intelligentbackhaul radios is to set or cause to be set the current transmit“Modulation and Coding Scheme” (or “MCS”) and output power for eachactive link. For links that carry multiple transmit streams and usemultiple transmit chains and/or transmit antennas, the MCS and/or outputpower may be controlled separately for each transmit stream, chain, orantenna. In certain embodiments, the RLC operates based on feedback fromthe target receiver for a particular transmit stream, chain and/orantenna within a particular intelligent backhaul radio.

The intelligent backhaul radio may further include an intelligentbackhaul management system agent 370B that sets or causes to be setcertain policies relevant to the radio resource controller, wherein theintelligent backhaul management system agent exchanges information withother intelligent backhaul management system agents within otherintelligent backhaul radios or with one or more intelligent backhaulmanagement system servers.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an IBR Antenna Array348A. FIG. 3C illustrates an antenna array having Q directive gainantennas 352A (i.e., where the number of antennas is greater than 1). InFIG. 3C, the IBR Antenna Array 348A includes an IBR RF Switch Fabric312C, RF interconnections 304C, a set of Front-ends 308C and thedirective gain antennas 352A. The RF interconnections 304C can be, forexample, circuit board traces and/or coaxial cables. The RFinterconnections 304C connect the IBR RF Switch Fabric 312C and the setof Front-ends 308C. Each Front-end 308C is associated with an individualdirective gain antenna 352A, numbered consecutively from 1 to Q.

FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the Front-end circuit308C of the IBR Antenna Array 348A of FIG. 3C for the case of TDDoperation, and FIG. 3E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of theFront-end circuit 308C of the IBR Antenna Array 348A of FIG. 3C for thecase of FDD operation. The Front-end circuit 308C of FIG. 3E includes atransmit power amplifier PA 304D, a receive low noise amplifier LNA308D, SPDT switch 312D and band-select filter 316D. The Front-endcircuit 308C of FIG. 3E includes a transmit power amplifier PA 304E,receive low noise amplifier LNA 308E, and duplexer filter 312E. Thesecomponents of the Front-end circuit are substantially conventionalcomponents available in different form factors and performancecapabilities from multiple commercial vendors.

As shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, each Front-end 308E also includes an“Enable” input 320D, 320E that causes substantially all active circuitryto power-down. Power-down techniques are well known. Power-down isadvantageous for IBRs in which not all of the antennas are utilized atall times. It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of theIBR Antenna Array may not utilize the “Enable” input 320D, 320E orpower-down feature. Furthermore, for embodiments with antenna arrayswhere some antenna elements are used only for transmit or only forreceive, then certain Front-ends (not shown) may include only thetransmit or only the receive paths of FIGS. 3D and 3E as appropriate.

FIG. 3F illustrates an alternative embodiment of an IBR Antenna Array348A and includes a block diagram of an IBR antenna array according toone embodiment of the invention relating to the use of dedicatedtransmission and reception antennas. In some IBR embodiments theembodiment of FIG. 3C may be replaced with the embodiments described inrelation to FIG. 3F. For instance, such substitution may be made in usewith any of FDD, TDD, or even non-conventional duplexing systems. FIG.3F illustrates an antenna array having Q_(R)+Q_(T) directive gainantennas 352A (i.e., where the number of antennas is greater than 1). InFIG. 3F, the IBR Antenna Array 348A includes an IBR RF Switch Fabric312F, RF interconnections 304C, a set of Front-ends 309F and 310F andthe directive gain antennas 352A. The RF interconnections 304C can be,for example, circuit board traces and/or coaxial cables. The RFinterconnections 304C connect the IBR RF Switch Fabric 312F and the setof Front-end Transmission Units 309F and the set of Front-end ReceptionUnits 310F. Each Front-end transmission unit 309F is associated with anindividual directive gain antenna 352A, numbered consecutively from 1 toQ_(T). Each Front-end reception unit 310F is associated with anindividual directive gain antenna 352A, numbered consecutively from 1 toQ_(R). The present embodiment may be used, for example, with the antennaarray embodiments of FIG. 3I, 3J, or embodiments described elsewhere.Such dedicated transmission antennas are coupled to front-endtransmission units 309F and include antenna element 352A.

In alternative embodiment, the IBR RF Switch fabric 312F may be bypassedfor the transmission signals when the number of dedicated transmissionantennas and associated front-end transmission units (Q_(T)) is equal tothe number of RF transmission signals RF-Tx-M (e.g. Q_(T)=M), resultingin directly coupling the IBR RF 336A transmissions to respectivetransmission front-end transmission units 309F. The dedicated receptionantennas, including an antenna element 352A in some embodiments, arecoupled to front-end reception units 310F, which in the presentembodiment are coupled to the IBR RF Switch Fabric. In an additionalalternative embodiment, the IBR RF Switch fabric 312F may be bypassedfor the reception signals when the number of dedicated receptionantennas and associated front-end reception units (Q_(R)) is equal tothe number of RF reception signals RF-Rx-N (e.g. Q_(R)=N), resulting indirectly coupling the IBR RF 340A reception ports to respectivefront-end reception units 310F.

FIG. 3G is a block diagram of a front-end transmission unit according toone embodiment of the invention relating to the use of dedicatedtransmission and reception antennas, and FIG. 3H is a block diagram of afront-end reception unit according to one embodiment of the inventionrelating to the use of dedicated transmission and reception antennas. Asshown in FIGS. 3G and 3H, each Front-end 309F and 310F also includes arespective “Enable” input 325F, 330F that causes substantially allrespective active circuitry to power-down, and any known power-downtechnique may be used. Power-down is advantageous for IBRs in which notall of the antennas are utilized at all times. It will be appreciatedthat alternative embodiments of the IBR Antenna Array may not utilizethe “Enable” input 325F, 330F or any power-down feature. Furthermore,for some embodiments associated with FIG. 3F for example (with antennaarrays where some antenna elements are used only for transmit or onlyfor receive) then certain Front-ends may include only the transmit 309For only the receive paths 310F of FIGS. 3G and 3H as appropriate. Withrespect to FIG. 3G, Bandpass filter 340G receives transmission signalRF-SW-Tx-qt, provides filtering and couples the signal to poweramplifier 304G, then to low pass filter 350G. The output of the lowpassfilter is then coupled to dedicated transmission antenna, which includesdirective antenna element 352A. With respect to FIG. 3H, directiveantenna element 352A is a dedicated receive only antenna and coupled toreceive filter 370H, when is in turn coupled to LNA 308H. The resultingamplified receive signal is coupled to band bass filter 360H, whichprovides output RF-SW-Rx-qr.

As described above, each Front-end (FE-q) corresponds to a particulardirective gain antenna 352A. Each antenna 352A has a directivity gainGq. For IBRs intended for fixed location street-level deployment withobstructed LOS between IBRs, whether in PTP or PMP configurations, eachdirective gain antenna 352A may use only moderate directivity comparedto antennas in conventional PTP systems at a comparable RF transmissionfrequency.

As described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/212,036, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,238,318, and Ser. No. 13/536,927 andincorporated herein by reference, various antenna configurations may beutilized in point-to-point and point-to-multipoint embodiments of thecurrent invention. With reference to FIG. 3I, a block diagram of anexemplary IBR antenna array is depicted. Such an array may also be usedin part or in entirety as a receive and/or transmit antenna array for anIBR device according to one embodiment of the invention. As the arrayincludes a plurality of antenna panels (310I-A.D, 330I, for example),each panel may include one of the antenna structures or individualantennas including the antenna structures. In an IBR device, normallytwo such antenna arrays including some or all of the antenna panelsdepicted in FIG. 3I would be utilized with an azimuthal directional biasdifferent for each array or for each collection of one or more suchantenna panels to optimize link performance between the instant IBR andthe source and destination devices.

While FIG. 3I is a diagram of an exemplary horizontally arrangedintelligent backhaul radio antenna array, FIG. 3J is a diagram of anexemplary vertically arranged intelligent backhaul radio antenna arraythat may also be used in part or in entirety as a receive and/ortransmit antenna array for an IBR device according to one embodiment ofthe invention. The depicted antenna arrays shown in FIGS. 3I and 3J areintended for operation in the 5 to 6 GHz band. Analogous versions of thearrangement shown in FIGS. 3I and 3J are possible for any bands withinthe range of at least 500 MHz to 100 GHz as will be appreciated by thoseof skill in the art of antenna design.

The exemplary transmit directive antenna elements depicted in FIGS. 3Iand 3J include multiple dipole radiators arranged for either dual slant45 degree polarization (FIG. 3I) or dual vertical and horizontalpolarization (FIG. 3J) with elevation array gain as described in greaterdetail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,927 and incorporatedherein. In one exemplary embodiment, each transmit directive antennaelement has an azimuthal beam width of approximately 100-120 degrees andan elevation beam width of approximately 15 degrees for a gain Gqt ofapproximately 12 dB.

The receive directive antenna elements depicted in FIGS. 3I and 3Jinclude multiple patch radiators arranged for either dual slant 45degree polarization or dual vertical and horizontal polarization withelevation array gain and azimuthal array gain as described in greaterdetail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,927 and incorporatedherein. In one exemplary embodiment, each receive directive antennaelement has an azimuthal beam width of approximately 40 degrees and anelevation beam width of approximately 15 degrees for a gain Gqr ofapproximately 16 dB.

Preliminary measurements of exemplary antenna arrays similar to thosedepicted in FIG. 3I show isolation of approximately 40 to 50 dB betweenindividual transmit directive antenna elements and individual receivedirective antenna elements of same polarization with an exemplarycircuit board and metallic case behind the radiating elements and aplastic ray dome in front of the radiating elements. Analogouspreliminary measurements of exemplary antenna arrays similar to thosedepicted in FIG. 3J show possible isolation improvements of up to 10 to20 dB for similar directive gain elements relative to FIG. 3I.

Other directive antenna element types are also known to those of skillin the art of antenna design including certain types described ingreater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,927 andincorporated herein.

In the exemplary IBR Antenna Array 348A illustrated in FIG. 3A throughFIG. 3J, the total number of individual antenna elements 352A, Q, isgreater than or equal to the larger of the number of RF transmit chains336A, M, and the number of RF receive chains 340A, N. In someembodiments, some or all of the antennas 352A may be split into pairs ofpolarization diverse antenna elements realized by either two separatefeeds to a nominally single radiating element or by a pair of separateorthogonally oriented radiating elements. Such cross polarizationantenna pairs enable either increased channel efficiency or enhancedsignal diversity as described for the conventional PTP radio. Thecross-polarization antenna pairs as well as any non-polarized antennasare also spatially diverse with respect to each other. Additionally, theindividual antenna elements may also be oriented in different directionsto provide further channel propagation path diversity.

Additional exemplary embodiments of alternative antenna elements, andantenna arrays are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/199,734 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,872,715, entitled “Backhaul Radio With ASubstrate TAB-FED Antenna Assembly”, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Examples ofembodiments disclosed within the incorporated specification of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/199,734 (the '734 applicationspecification) are depicted in FIGS. 3K-3P; detailed descriptions ofFIGS. 3K-3P may be found in the specification of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/199,734, previously incorporated by reference herein,corresponding to FIG. 5C, FIG. 8A, FIG. 8F, FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG.13B, respectively, of the '734 application specification.

The foregoing discussion related to intelligent backhaul radios andrelate diagrams have include the use of frequency division duplexing(FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) techniques and architectures.Such architectures, as discussed, include support of both single inputand single output (SISO) supporting single stream operation, andmultiple input/multiple output (MIMO) multiple stream operation support.Additional embodiments supporting SISO and MIMO technology in specificembodiments include the use so-called zero division duplexed (ZDD)intelligent backhaul radios (ZDD-IBR), as disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/609,156, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,422,540, which isadditionally incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the ZDD systems provide for the operation of a IBRwherein the ZDD-IBR transmitter and receiver frequencies are close infrequency to each other so as to make the use of frequency divisionduplexing, as known in the art, impractical. Arrangements of ZDDoperation disclosed in the foregoing referenced application includeso-called “co-channel” embodiments wherein the transmit frequencychannels in use by a ZDD-IBR, and the receive frequencies are partiallyor entirely overlapped in the frequency spectrum. Additionally disclosedembodiments of ZDD-IBRs include so-called “co-band” ZDD operationwherein the channels of operation of the ZDD-IBR are not directlyoverlapped with the ZDD-IBR receive channels of operation, but are closeenough to each other so as to limit the performance the system. Forexample, at specific receiver and transmitter frequency channelseparation, the frequency selectivity of the channel selection filtersin an IBR transmitter and receiver chains may be insufficient to isolatethe receiver(s) from the transmitter signal(s) or associated noise anddistortion, resulting in significant de-sensitization of the IBR'sreceiver(s) performance at specific desired transmit power levels,without the use of disclosed ZDD techniques. Embodiments of thedisclosed ZDD-IBRs include the use of radio frequency, intermediatefrequency and base band cancelation of reference transmitter andinterference signals from the ZDD-IBR receivers in a MIMO configuration.Such disclosed ZDD techniques utilize the estimation of the channelsfrom the plurality of IBR transmitters to the plurality of IBR receiversof the same intelligent backhaul radio, and the adaptive filtering ofthe reference signals based upon the channel estimates so as to allowthe cancelation the transmitter signals from the receivers utilizingsuch estimated cancelation signals. Such ZDD techniques allow forincreased isolation between the desired receive signals and theZDD-IBR's transmitters in various embodiments including MIMO (and SISO)configurations.

The support for MIMO operation (FDD, TDD, or ZDD) is highly dependentupon the radio propagation environment between the two radios incommunication with each other. The following discussion provides for ageneral discussion relating to the MIMO channel, and will provide abasis for further discussion. Referring now to FIG. 3Q the MIMO channelmatrix is depicted. Transceiver MIMO Station 3Q-05 is in communicationwith MIMO Station 3Q-10 utilizing MIMO channel matrix (Eq. 3Q-1) of FIG.3R between the two stations of FIG. 3Q. In an example of a two-by-twoMIMO system, two spatial streams are utilized between the two MIMOstations. The channel propagation matrix of Eq. 3KQ-1 is of order M by N(M rows and N columns). A particular element of the channel propagationmatrix, h_(mn), represents the frequency response of the wirelesschannel from the n^(th) transmitter to the m^(th) receiver. Thereforeeach element of the channel propagation matrix H has an individualcomplex number, if the channel is “frequency flat,” or a complexfunction of frequency, if the channel is “frequency selective,” whichrepresents the amplitude and phase of the propagation channel betweenone transmitter and one receiver of MIMO Stations 3Q-05 and 3Q-10.Often, the channel propagation matrix and the individual propagationcoefficients are frequency selective, meaning that the complex value ofthe coefficients vary as a function of frequency as mentioned. In arich, multipath scattering environment, as depicted in FIG. 3S, in whichsufficient signal strength reaches an intended receiver but is scatteredamongst the various structures between a particular MIMO transmitter andMIMO receiver, the spatial distribution of the arriving signals isreferred to as a rich multipath environment in which there is asignificant angular scattering among the receiving signals at theintended receiver.

In order to separate the MIMO streams received at an intended receiver,such as MIMO Station 3Q-05 or MIMO Station 3Q-10, the channelpropagation matrix H must be determined, as known in the art. Theprocess of determining the channel propagation matrix is often performedutilizing pilot channels, preambles, and/or symbols or other knownreference information. Examples of prior art systems utilizing suchtechniques include IEEE 802.11n, LTE, or HSPA, as well as variousembodiments of intelligent backhaul radios per U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,238,818,8,422,540 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,927 asincorporated in their entireties herein.

In order for MIMO systems (including the foregoing mentioned MIMOsystems) to support a plurality of spatial MIMO streams, the order ofthe propagation matrix (referenced as Eq. 3Q-1) must equal or exceed thedesired number of streams. While this condition is necessary, it is notsufficient. The rank of the matrix must also equal or exceed the numberof desired spatial streams. The rank of a matrix is the maximum numberof linearly independent column vectors of the propagation matrix. Suchterminology is known in the art with respect to linear algebra. Thenumber of supportable MIMO streams must be less than or equal to therank of the channel propagation matrix. When the propagationcoefficients from multiple transmitters of a MIMO station to a pluralityof intended receive antennas are correlated, the number of linearlyindependent column vectors of the channel propagation matrix H isreduced and consequently the system will support fewer MIMO streams.Such a condition often occurs in environments where a small angularspread at the desired intended receiver is present, such as is the casewith a line-of-sight environment where the two MIMO stations are asignificant distance apart, such that the angular resolution of thereceiving antennas at MIMO Station 3Q-10 is insufficient to resolve andseparate the signals transmitted from the plurality of transmitters atMIMO Station 3Q-05. Such a condition is referred to as anill-conditioned channel matrix for the desired number of streams in theMIMO system, due to the rank of the channel propagation matrix (i.e. thenumber of linearly independent column vectors) being less than thedesired number of MIMO streams between the two MIMO stations. Thereasoning behind the rank of the channel propagation matrix beingrequired to be greater than or equal to the desired number of MIMOstreams is related to how the individual streams are separated from oneanother at the intended receiving MIMO station. As is known in the art,the MIMO performance is quite sensitive to the invertability of thechannel propagation matrix. Such invertability, as previously mentioned,may be compromised by the receiving antenna correlation, which may becaused by close antenna spacing or small angular spread at the intendedMIMO receiver. The line-of-sight condition between two MIMO stations mayresult in such a small angular spread between the MIMO receivers,resulting in the channel matrix being noninvertible or degenerate.Multipath fading, which often results from large angular spreads amongstindividual propagation proponents between two antennas, enriches thecondition of the channel propagation matrix, making the individualcolumn vectors linearly independent and allowing the channel propagationmatrix to be invertible. The inversion of the channel propagation matrixresults in weights (vectors), which are utilized with the desiredreceive signals to separate the linear combination of transmittedstreams into individual orthogonal streams, allowing for properreception of each individual stream from spatially multiplexed compositeinformation streams. In a line-of-sight environment, all of the columnvectors of the channel propagation matrix H may be highly correlated,resulting in a matrix rank of 1 or very close to 1. Such a matrix isnoninvertible and ill-conditioned, resulting in the inability to supportspatial multiplexing and additional streams (other than by the use ofpolarization multiplexing, which provides for only two streams asdiscussed).

FIG. 3S illustrates an exemplary deployment of intelligent backhaulradios (IBRs). As shown in FIG. 3S, the IBRs 300S are deployable atstreet level with obstructions such as trees 303S, hills 308S, buildings3125, etc. between them. Embodiments of intelligent backhaul radios(IBRs) are discussed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/212,036, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,238,318, and Ser. No. 13/536,927, theentire contents of which is incorporated herein. The IBRs 300S are alsodeployable in configurations that include point-to-multipoint (PMP), asshown in FIG. 3S, as well as point-to-point (PTP). In other words, eachIBR 300S may communicate with more than one other IBR 300S.

For 3G and especially for 4^(th) Generation (4G), cellular networkinfrastructure is more commonly deployed using “microcells” or“picocells.” In this cellular network infrastructure, compact basestations (eNodeBs) 316L are situated outdoors at street level. When sucheNodeBs 316L are unable to connect locally to optical fiber or a copperwireline of sufficient data bandwidth, then a wireless connection to afiber “point of presence” (POP) requires obstructed LOS capabilities, asdescribed herein.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3S, the IBRs 300S include an AggregationEnd IBR (AE-IBR) and Remote End IBRs (RE-IBRs). The eNodeB 316S of theAE-IBR is typically connected locally to the core network via a fiberPOP 320S. The RE-IBRs and their associated eNodeBs 316S are typicallynot connected to the core network via a wireline connection; instead,the RE-IBRs are wirelessly connected to the core network via the AE-IBR.As shown in FIG. 3S, the wireless connection between the IBRs includeobstructions (i.e., there may be an obstructed LOS connection betweenthe RE-IBRs and the AE-IBR). Note that the Tall Building 312Ssubstantially impedes the signal transmitted from RE-IBR 300S to AR-IBR300S. Additionally, in at least one example scenario, the tree (303S)provides unacceptable signal attenuation between an RE-IBR 300S and theAE-IBR 300S.

As discussed above, the advances in cellular communications, and morespecifically the Third Generation Partnership Program's (3GPP,www.3GPP.org) Long Term Evolution (LTE), and associated cellular “offload” use of IEEE 802.11 communication protocols continues to drive thedata backhaul requirements of cellular infrastructure sites to everincreasing levels. The need for an increasing number of wirelessbackhaul links to satisfy the cellular backhaul demand demands the useof potentially congested wireless spectrum resources.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allowed for the use ofcurrently licensed broadcast television spectrum for use by unlicenseddevices. This program has been commonly referred to as the “TVWhitespaces” reuse (http://www.fcc.gov/topic/white-space). A detaileddescription of the program is provided in FCC order FCC-10-174A1, andthe rules for unlicensed devices that operate in the TV bands are setforth in 47 C.F.R. §§15.701-.717. See TITLE 47—Telecommunication;CHAPTER I—FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION; SUBCHAPTER A—GENERAL, PART15—RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES, Subpart H--TELEVISION BAND DEVICES(http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=30f46f0753577b10de41d650c7adf941&rgn=div6&view=text&node=47:1.0.1.1.16.8&idno=47).

The TV Whitespaces program provides for a reuse of underutilizedspectrum resources for public use by unlicensed devices (TV BandDevices). Further, so-called “Incumbent Services” remain protected frominterference from the TV Band Devices (TVBDs) by a set of operatingrules and concepts including (selectively extracted from CFR 47 §15.703Definitions):

-   -   (a) Available channel. A six-megahertz television channel, which        is not being used by an authorized service at or near the same        geographic location as the TVBD and is acceptable for use by an        unlicensed device under the provisions of this subpart.    -   (b) Contact verification signal. An encoded signal broadcast by        a fixed or Mode II device for reception by Mode I devices to        which the fixed or Mode II device has provided a list of        available channels for operation. Such signal is for the purpose        of establishing that the Mode I device is still within the        reception range of the fixed or Mode II device for purposes of        validating the list of available channels used by the Mode I        device and shall be encoded to ensure that the signal originates        from the device that provided the list of available channels. A        Mode I device may respond only to a contact verification signal        from the fixed or Mode II device that provided the list of        available channels on which it operates. A fixed or Mode II        device shall provide the information needed by a Mode I device        to decode the contact verification signal at the same time it        provides the list of available channels.    -   (c) Fixed device. A TVBD that transmits and/or receives        radiocommunication signals at a specified fixed location. A        fixed TVBD may select channels for operation itself from a list        of available channels provided by a TV bands database, initiate        and operate a network by sending enabling signals to one or more        fixed TVBDs and/or personal/portable TVBDs. Fixed devices may        provide to a Mode I personal/portable device a list of available        channels on which the Mode I device may operate under the rules,        including available channels above 512 MHz (above TV channel 20)        on which the fixed TVBD also may operate and a supplemental list        of available channels above 512 MHz (above TV channel 20) that        are adjacent to occupied TV channels on which the Mode I device,        but not the fixed device, may operate.    -   (d) Geo-location capability. The capability of a TVBD to        determine its geographic coordinates within the level of        accuracy specified in §15.711(b)(1), i.e. 50 meters. This        capability is used with a TV bands database approved by the FCC        to determine the availability of TV channels at a TVBD's        location.    -   (e) Mode I personal/portable device. A personal/portable TVBD        that does not use an internal geo-location capability and access        to a TV bands database to obtain a list of available channels. A        Mode I device must obtain a list of available channels on which        it may operate from either a fixed TVBD or Mode II        personal/portable TVBD. A Mode I device may not initiate a        network of fixed and/or personal/portable TVBDs nor may it        provide a list of available channels to another Mode I device        for operation by such device.    -   (f) Mode II personal/portable device. A personal/portable TVBD        that uses an internal geo-location capability and access to a TV        bands database, either through a direct connection to the        Internet or through an indirect connection to the Internet by        way of fixed TVBD or another Mode II TVBD, to obtain a list of        available channels. A Mode II device may select a channel itself        and initiate and operate as part of a network of TVBDs,        transmitting to and receiving from one or more fixed TVBDs or        personal/portable TVBDs. A Mode II personal/portable device may        provide its list of available channels to a Mode I        personal/portable device for operation on by the Mode I device.    -   (g) Network initiation. The process by which a fixed or Mode II        TVBD sends control signals to one or more fixed TVBDs or        personal/portable TVBDs and allows them to begin communications.    -   (h) Operating channel. An available channel used by a TVBD for        transmission and/or reception.    -   (i) Personal/portable device. A TVBD that transmits and/or        receives radiocommunication signals at unspecified locations        that may change. Personal/portable devices may only transmit on        available channels in the frequency bands 512-608 MHz (TV        channels 21-36) and 614-698 MHz (TV channels 38-51).    -   (j) Receive site. The location where the signal of a full        service television station is received for rebroadcast by a        television translator or low power TV station, including a Class        A TV station, or for distribution by a Multiple Video Program        Distributor (MVPD) as defined in 47 U.S.C. 602(13).    -   (k) Sensing only device. A personal/portable TVBD that uses        spectrum sensing to determine a list of available channels.        Sensing only devices may transmit on any available channels in        the frequency bands 512-608 MHz (TV channels 21-36) and 614-698        MHz (TV channels 38-51).    -   (l) Spectrum sensing. A process whereby a TVBD monitors a        television channel to detect whether the channel is occupied by        a radio signal or signals from authorized services.    -   (m) Television band device (TVBD). Intentional radiators that        operate on an unlicensed basis on available channels in the        broadcast television frequency bands at 54-60 MHz (TV channel        2), 76-88 MHz (TV channels 5 and 6), 174-216 MHz (TV channels        7-13), 470-608 MHz (TV channels 14-36) and 614-698 MHz (TV        channels 38-51).    -   (n) TV bands database. A database system that maintains records        of all authorized services in the TV frequency bands, is capable        of determining the available channels as a specific geographic        location and provides lists of available channels to TVBDs that        have been certified under the Commission's equipment        authorization procedures. TV bands databases that provide lists        of available channels to TVBDs must receive approval by the        Commission.

Under the white spaces rules, TVBDs (other than TVBDs that rely onspectrum sensing) have the requirement of registering with the TV bandsdatabase, and determining available channels of operation. This processrequires providing the database the FCC_ID, serial number, geographiclocation, and other information to the database, to receive a list ofavailable channels for operation. TVBDs are further required toperiodically re-register with the database to re-determine availablechannels of operation. An example of a database entry information for aFixed TVDB is provided within CFR 47 §15.713 TV bands database (f) FixedTVBD registration (extraction follows).

-   -   (1) Prior to operating for the first time or after changing        location, a fixed TVBD must register with the TV bands database        by providing the information listed in paragraph (f)(3) of this        section.    -   (2) The party responsible for a fixed TVBD must ensure that the        TVBD registration database has the most current, up-to-date        information for that device.    -   (3) The TVBD registration database shall contain the following        information for fixed TVBDs:        -   (i) FCC identifier (FCC ID) of the device;        -   (ii) Manufacturer's serial number of the device;        -   (iii) Device's geographic coordinates (latitude and            longitude (NAD 83) accurate to ±/−50 m);        -   (iv) Device's antenna height above ground level (meters);        -   (v) Name of the individual or business that owns the device;        -   (vi) Name of a contact person responsible for the device's            operation;        -   (vii) Address for the contact person;        -   (viii) E-mail address for the contact person;        -   (ix) Phone number for the contact person.

The foregoing is intended to provide a brief overview of the conceptsand rules associated with the TV White spaces device operation.

While suitable for use by some wireless applications, such a system isnot ideal for use in many highly reliable wireless backhaulapplications. As one example, the lack of protection from interferencefor TVBD registered devices is a significant impediment for achieving ahighly reliable data link for backhaul applications in view ofinterference from unlicensed or other wireless devices, including otherTVBD devices. As another example, there is no approach for devices toarbitrate interference amongst one another. There are significant numberof other deficiencies of the TV white spaces rules making them non-idealfor use in other bands, and in other applications of use such ascellular backhaul.

SUMMARY

The following summary of the invention is included in order to provide abasic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it isnot intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of theinvention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purposeis to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

This application discloses various embodiments of self-organizingbackhaul radios (SOBR). Specific disclosures associated with theadvanced backhaul services may be referred to with terminology relatedto “ABS” or other terms disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/502,471. It should be understood that specific disclosures andembodiments relating to the ABS Radios would also apply to certainembodiments of the SOBR radios. The disclosures of various embodimentsof ABS services and ABS radios should not be taken as limiting toembodiments of the SOBR embodiments and components. First, embodimentsof Advanced Backhaul Services (ABS) and radios will be introduced andsummarized, followed by various embodiments of the Self OrganizingBackhaul Radio (SOBR) and SOBR Systems.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide for incorporationof a “Tiered” group of devices and/or licenses associated with providinga hierarchical set of interference protection mechanisms for members ofeach tier of service in a wireless backhaul (or other) application.Exemplary systems, devices, and methods are disclosed in variousembodiments to allow for the efficient operation of such a tieredservice. As previously described, the TV Whitespaces rules do notprovide for mechanisms or devices allowing for such an efficient tieredservice. Embodiments of the invention provide a tiered service, whichallows for interference protection among devices belonging to one ormore tiers of the service, from other devices within the same tier ofservice, or other tiers of service. Embodiments of the invention includemechanisms, apparatus, and methods that provide for the identificationof other devices of the same or differing tier of service, and mitigateinterference to or from the device based upon intercommunication betweenthe devices, and/or via a central registry database.

According to other aspects of the invention, a first tiered serviceradio is disclosed for operating in a radio frequency band according torules for operation allowing for radios of multiple tiers of service,including a plurality of receive RF chains; one or more transmit RFchains; an antenna array having a plurality of directive gain antennaelements, wherein each directive gain antenna element is couplable to atleast one receive RF or transmit RF chain; and an interface bridgeconfigured to couple the radio to a data network; wherein the tieredservice radio is configured to perform each of the following:communicate with a network based registry to determine registryinformation associated with any registered radios meeting specificcriteria, wherein the specific criteria includes at least informationassociated with at least higher priority tiered service radio devices tothat of the first tiered service radio; scan one or more radio frequencychannels for the presence of signature radio signals transmitted fromone or more other tiered service radios to generate scan data, andwherein the radio includes at least one adjustable network parameterthat is adjustable based on the scan data, wherein said scanned one ormore radio frequency channels are selected based upon said registryinformation, and wherein the at least one network parameter is adjustedto reduce a potential of interference of the first tiered service radiowith both the other tiered service radios or said registered radios,wherein the adjusting the at least one network parameter includes one ormore of: selecting a frequency channel utilized between the first tieredservice radio and a second tiered service radio; adjusting the effectiveradiation pattern of the first tiered service radio; selecting one ormore of the plurality of directive gain antenna elements; and adjustingthe physical configuration or arrangement of the one or more of theplurality of directive gain antenna elements.

In some embodiments, the tiered service radio is further configured togenerate a scan report based on the scan data and transmit the scanreport to a server.

In some embodiments, the signals include a signal licensed by theFederal Communications Commission (FCC) under service having at leastthree tiers of service, wherein said tiers include at least legacy pointto point backhaul devices at the highest tier and listed in saidregistry, registered and licensed devices at a second tier, andunlicensed and registered devices at a third and lower tier.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the effective radiation patternincludes one or more of: steering the effective radiation pattern inelevation; and steering the effective radiation pattern in azimuth.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the effective radiation patternincludes: calculating digital beam former weights based upon at leastone constraint related to the potential of interference; and applyingthe digital beam former weights.

In some embodiments, the constraint is selected from the groupconsisting of: properties related to or derived from said scan result; adirection in which signal transmission is to be limited; parameterswhich reduce the potential for interfering with one or more of saidregistered radios meeting said specific criteria; parameters whichincrease the likelihood of said first and said second tiered serviceradios meeting performance goals with respect to an interposed wirelesscommunication link; a restriction of use of specific transceivers orspecific antennas of a plurality of transceivers or antennas; a use ofspecific polarizations for transmission; attributes of a collectivetransmission radiation pattern associated with a plurality oftransmitters; a frequency or geometric translation of beam formingweights between receiver weights and transmitter weights; a change inantennas used or selected; a change in operating frequency; andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the scan report includes onemore selected from the group consisting of: the location of said firsttiered service radio; the latitude and longitudinal coordinates of oneor more tiered service radios; configuration information related to thefirst tiered service radio; capability information related to the firsttiered service radio; a transmission power capability of said firsttiered service radio; operating frequency capability of said firsttiered service radio; antenna property information related to one ormore antenna for use in reception or transmission by said first tieredservice radio; received signal parameters or demodulated informationfrom another tiered service radio; received signal parameters from atiered service radio; and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the tiered service radio is further configured toassess performance after adjustment of the at least one adjustablenetwork parameter.

In some embodiments, the performance of said first tiered service radiois assessed by one or more selected from the group consisting of:performing additional scans; performing additional scans with specificsearch criteria; performing additional scans with limitations infrequency, azimuth, elevation, or time; performing additional scans witha modified antenna selection configuration; performing additional scansusing antennas intended for transmission during normal operation forreception during the additional scanning process; performingtransmission of a signal from the first tiered service radio to thesecond tiered service radio; receiving a signal from the second tieredservice radio by the first tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the first tiered service radio is configured toalign the antenna array with the second tiered service radio prior tothe scan based on at least one criterion.

In some embodiments, the at least one criterion is based at least inpart upon a signal transmitted from the second tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the at least one criterion includes a GPS locationand a compass direction.

In some embodiments, the specific criteria includes a geographic region.

In some embodiments, the specific criteria includes a tier of service ofthe first tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the specific criteria includes a date on whichservice commenced for any tiered service radio registered in theregistry.

In some embodiments, at least one of said signature radio signalstransmitted from the one or more tiered service radios are transmittedinline with information symbols in time from at least one of the tieredservice radios.

In some embodiments, at least one of said signature radio signalstransmitted from the one or more tiered service radios are transmittedas a spread spectrum signal embedded within and simultaneously withinformation symbols in time from at least one of the tiered serviceradios.

In some embodiments, the first tiered service radio transmits asignature radio signal as a first signature during operation with secondtiered service radios.

In some embodiments, the first signature is transmitted inline withinformation symbols in time.

In some embodiments, the first signature is transmitted as a spreadspectrum signal embedded within and simultaneously with informationsymbols.

In some embodiments, the transmitted first signature is transmitted withprogressively increasing interference potential for a period of timeprior to initiation of full operation between the first and secondtiered service radios.

In some embodiments, the progressively increasing interference includestransmission at a power level with an increasing duty cycle oversuccessive periods of time.

In some embodiments, the progressively increasing interference includestransmission at several increasing power levels over successive periodsof time.

In some embodiments, the first tiered service radio alters said at leastone network parameter based upon detecting information within saidregistry or otherwise receiving information informing of detectedinterference related to the transmitted first signature.

In some embodiments, one or more of said other tiered service radios isrespectively also one or more of the registered radios meeting thespecific criteria.

In some embodiments, the scan data includes one or more of thefollowing: information derived form the reception of signature radiosignals; information derived from the reception of signals transmittedfrom said other tiered service radios; information derived from radiosother than tiered service radios; received signal strength information;channel propagation information; tiered service radio identityinformation; angle of arrival of signal information; received signalstrength information, interference information; path loss information;and signal transmission periodicity information.

In some embodiments, said registered radios include devices of the samepriority as the first tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the registered radios include devices of lesserpriority as the first tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the registered radios include devices of any tieror any priority as the first tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the specific criterion additionally includesdevices of the same priority as the first tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the specific criterion additionally includesdevices of lesser priority as the first tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the specific criterion additionally includesdevices of any tier or any priority as the first tiered service radio.

In some embodiments, the scan is performed including a common controlchannel, said common control channel being a defined channel forsignature radio signal transmission and reception commonly known to agroup of tiered service radios upon interaction with the registry.

In some embodiments, said specific search criteria includes one or moreof the following: information derived form the reception of signatureradio signals, information derived from the reception of signalstransmitted from said other tiered service radios, information derivedfrom radios other than tiered service radios, received signal strengthinformation, channel propagation information, tiered service radioidentity information, angle of arrival of signal information, receivedsignal strength information, interference information, path lossinformation, and signal transmission periodicity information.

Additional embodiments of the current invention, together with theforgoing embodiments, or individually include the use of AdvancedBackhaul Services (ABS) devices with point-to-point andpoint-to-multipoint radios, such as an IBR, as disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/212,036, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,238,318, and Ser.No. 13/536,927, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference. Additionally, further embodiments individually, or incombination with forgoing embodiments include the use of ABS deviceswith so-called zero division duplexed (ZDD) intelligent backhaul radios(ZDD-IBR), as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/609,156,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,422,540, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

Various exemplary embodiments of self organizing backhaul radio aredisclosed including one or more demodulator cores, wherein eachdemodulator core is capable of demodulating one or more primary receivesymbol streams to produce one or more receive data interface streams; aplurality of receive radio frequency (RF) chains, wherein each receiveRF chain is capable of converting from one of a plurality of receive RFsignals to a respective one of a plurality of receive chain outputsignals; an antenna array comprising a plurality of directive gainantenna elements, wherein each directive gain antenna element iscouplable to at least one receive RF chain; a frequency selectivereceive path channel multiplexer to produce one or more compositereceive symbol streams from the plurality of receive chain outputsignals, wherein each respective one of the one or more compositereceive symbol streams comprises a linear combination of a respectiveprimary receive symbol stream and a respective signature control channelsymbol stream, and wherein each respective signature control channelsymbol stream is a spread spectrum modulated signal that carries arespective signature control channel information; and a signature linkprocessor, interposed between the one or more demodulator cores and thefrequency selective receive path channel multiplexer, to produce the oneor more primary receive symbol streams provided to the one or moredemodulator cores from the one or more composite receive symbol streams.Further embodiments include the foregoing, wherein the signature linkprocessor comprises one or more respective signature control channelstream cancellers each for:receiving the respective one of the one ormore composite receive symbol streams; receiving the respectivesignature control channel information as pre-communicated respectivesignature control channel information. In some embodiments thepre-communicated respective signature control channel information isderived from information communicated to the self-organizing backhaulradio prior to the receiving of the respective signature control channelsymbol stream that carries the respective signature control channelinformation.

Various embodiments additionally include cancelling the respectivesignature control channel symbol stream from the respective one of theone or more composite receive symbol streams to produce the respectiveprimary receive symbol stream based upon the pre-communicated respectivesignature control channel information.

Associated with further embodiments of a self-organizing backhaul radiomay include the foregoing, or other embodiments and a radio resourcecontroller, wherein the radio resource controller is capable of settingor causing to be set specific selective couplings between the certain ofthe plurality of directive gain antenna elements and the certain of theplurality of receive RF chains.

In some embodiments, each one of the one or more demodulator corescomprises at least a decoder and a soft decision symbol demapper; andwherein each one of the plurality of receive RF chains includes at leasta vector demodulator and two analog to digital converters that arecapable of producing the respective one of the plurality of receivechain output signals, each said respective one of the plurality ofreceive chain output signals comprised of digital baseband quadraturesignals.

Specific embodiments further include wherein the set of receive RFchains that can accept receive RF signals from the one or moreselectable RF connections is divided between one subset that acceptsreceive RF signals from directive gain antenna elements with a firstpolarization and a second subset that accepts receive RF signals fromdirective gain antenna elements with a second polarization.

In some embodiments, the directive gain antenna elements that can beselectively coupled to receive RF chains are arranged on a plurality offacets with one or more directive gain antenna elements per facet, andwherein each facet is oriented at a different azimuth angle relative toat least one other facet.

In some embodiments the frequency selective receive path channelmultiplexer includes at least one of a Space Division Multiple Access(SDMA) combiner or equalizer, a maximal ratio combining (MRC) combineror equalizer, a minimum mean squared error (MMSE) combiner or equalizer,an Eigen Beam Forming (EBF) combiner or equalizer, a receive beamforming (BF) combiner or equalizer, a Zero Forcing (ZF) combiner orequalizer, a channel estimator, a Maximal Likelihood (DL) detector, anInterference Canceller (IC), a VBLAST combiner or equalizer, a DiscreteFourier Transformer (DFT), a Fast Fourier Transformer (FFT), or anInverse Fast Fourier Transformer (IFFT).

In some embodiments, the antenna array further includes: one or moreselectable RF connections for selectively coupling certain of theplurality of directive gain antenna elements to certain of the pluralityof receive RF chains, said certain of the plurality of receive RF chainsincluding at least one receive RF chain coupled to the frequencyselective receive path channel multiplexer, wherein the number ofdirective gain antenna elements that can be selectively coupled toreceive RF chains exceeds the number of receive RF chains that canaccept receive RF signals from the one or more selectable RFconnections; wherein the backhaul radio is capable of determining anopportunity for a performance enhancement that derives from settingspecific selective couplings between the certain of the plurality ofdirective gain antenna elements and the certain of the plurality ofreceive RF chains.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more selectable RFconnections includes at least one RF switch.

In some embodiments at least one of the additional certain of theplurality of receive RF chains is coupled to the frequency selectivereceive path channel multiplexer.

In some embodiments the performance enhancement of the radio includesone or more of a reduced interference level within one or more of thereceive symbol streams, an increased data throughput rate, an improvedlink diversity, an increased channel efficiency, or an increased signalto interference and noise ratio (SINR).

In some embodiments the self-organizing backhaul radio further includes:one or more transmit RF chains, and wherein the self-organizing backhaulradio is configured to perform each of the following: scan one or moreradio frequency channels for the presence of signature radio signalstransmitted from one or more other self-organizing backhaul radios togenerate scan data, and wherein the radio comprises at least oneadjustable network parameter that is adjustable based on the scan data,wherein the scanned one or more radio frequency channels are selected,at least in part, based upon the scan data, wherein the at least onenetwork parameter is adjusted to reduce a potential of interference ofthe self-organizing backhaul radio with the other self-organizingbackhaul radios.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the at least one network parameterincludes one or more of: selecting a frequency channel utilized betweenthe self-organizing backhaul radio and a second self-organizing backhaulradio; adjusting the effective radiation pattern of the self-organizingbackhaul radio; selecting one or more of the plurality of directive gainantenna elements; and adjusting the physical configuration orarrangement of the one or more of the plurality of directive gainantenna elements.

In some embodiments, the self-organizing backhaul radio, the adjustingthe effective radiation pattern includes one or more of: steering theeffective radiation pattern in elevation; steering the effectiveradiation pattern in azimuth.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, the adjustingthe effective radiation pattern includes calculating digital beam formerweights based upon at least one constraint related to the potential ofinterference; and applying the digital beam former weights.

In some embodiments, the constraint includes one or more of: propertiesrelated to or derived from the scan result; a direction in which signaltransmission is to be limited; parameters which reduce the potential forinterfering with one or more of the registered radios meeting saidspecific criteria; parameters which increase the likelihood of theself-organizing radio and a second self-organizing radios meetingperformance goals with respect to an interposed wireless communicationlink; a restriction of use of specific transceivers or specific antennasof a plurality of transceivers or antennas; a use of specificpolarizations for transmission; attributes of a collective transmissionradiation pattern associated with a plurality of transmitters; afrequency or geometric translation of beam forming weights betweenreceiver weights and transmitter weights; a change in antennas used orselected; a change in operating frequency.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, at least aportion of the signature radio signals are transmitted from aself-organizing backhaul radio of the one or more other self-organizingbackhaul radios for which no interposed primary link is established withthe instant self-organizing backhaul radio.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, a chip rateof the respective signature control channel is equal to a symbol rate ofthe respective primary receive symbol stream of at least one of the oneor more composite receive symbol streams, for at least a portion oftime.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, a chip rateof the respective signature control channel is equal to a symbol rate ofthe respective primary receive symbol stream of each of the one or morecomposite receive symbol streams, for at least a portion of time.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, therespective signature control channel symbol stream is not present duringa respective preamble period of the respective primary receive symbolstream of at least one of the one or more composite receive symbolsstreams.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, a timing ofthe respective signature control channel is synchronized in time with apreamble period of the respective primary receive symbol stream of atleast one of the one or more composite receive symbol streams.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, a timing of asignature sequence of the single signature control channel is furthersynchronized in frequency, and phase with the preamble period of therespective primary receive symbol stream of the at least one of the oneor more composite receive symbol streams.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, a timing of asignature sequence of the respective signature control channel is offsetby a pre-determined amount of time from the preamble period of therespective primary receive symbol stream of the at least one of the oneor more composite receive symbol streams.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, a phasereference of the respective primary receive symbol stream is usable as aphase reference associated with the cancelation of the respectivesignature control channel stream of the at least one of the one or morecomposite receive symbol streams.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, the frequencyselective receive path channel multiplexer further produces one or morereceive non-composite symbol streams from the plurality of receive chainoutput signals, wherein each respective one of the one or morenon-composite receive symbol streams comprises a respective primaryreceive symbol stream and does not comprise a respective signaturecontrol channel symbol stream.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, the at leastone of the respective primary receive symbol streams of the one or morenon-composite receive symbol streams are coupled to a respectivedemodulator core of the one or more demodulator cores.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, at least oneof the one ore more non-composite receive symbol streams is coupled tothe signature link processor.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, the signaturelink processor further provides at least one a primary receive symbolstream derived from the at least one of the one or more non-compositereceive symbol streams to one of the one or more demodulator coresderived.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, the frequencyselective receive path channel multiplexer further provides at least oneof said one or more primary receive symbol streams directly to the oneor more demodulator cores.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, the linearcombination associated with at least one of the one or more compositereceive symbol streams is performed at least partially simultaneously intime.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, a pluralityof primary receive symbols associated with at least one respectiveprimary receive symbol stream and a plurality of signature controlchannels symbols associated with at least one respective signaturecontrol channel symbol stream are linearly combined simultaneously intime.

In some embodiments of the self-organizing backhaul radio, theinformation associated with the pre-communicated respective signaturecontrol channel information is derived from at least one of the one ormore primary receive symbol streams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more examples ofembodiments and, together with the description of example embodiments,serve to explain the principles and implementations of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of conventional point-to-point (PTP) radiosdeployed for cellular base station backhaul with unobstructed line ofsight (LOS).

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a conventional PTP radio for Time DivisionDuplex (TDD).

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a conventional PTP radio for FrequencyDivision Duplex (FDD).

FIG. 3A is an exemplary block diagram of an IBR.

FIG. 3B is an alternative exemplary block diagram of an IBR.

FIG. 3C is an exemplary block diagram of an IBR antenna array.

FIG. 3D is an exemplary block diagram of a front-end unit for TDDoperation of an IBR.

FIG. 3E is an exemplary block diagram of a front-end unit for FDDoperation of an IBR.

FIG. 3F is an alternative exemplary block diagram of an IBR antennaarray.

FIG. 3G is a block diagram of a front-end transmission unit according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3H is a block diagram of a front-end reception unit according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3I is a diagram of an alternative view of an exemplary horizontallyarranged intelligent backhaul radio antenna array according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3J is a diagram of an alternative view of an exemplary verticallyarranged intelligent backhaul radio antenna array according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3K is an assembly view of an antenna assembly according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3L is a detailed view of both the first layer and the second layerof the second substrate of the antenna assembly according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3M is a view of the first and second substrates showing how theplurality of pairs of apertures on the first layer of the secondsubstrate align with the plurality of conductive patch elements on thefirst substrate according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3N is a detailed view of a unitary dipole antenna element for adipole array antenna assembly according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3O is a detailed view of a plurality of coplanar dipole antennaelements for a dipole array antenna assembly according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 3P is an alternative assembly view of a dipole array antennaassembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3Q is an illustration of the MIMO station propagation matrixelements.

FIG. 3R illustrates the MIMO channel propagation matrix equation andassociated terminology.

FIG. 3S is an exemplary illustration of intelligent backhaul radios(IBRs) deployed for cellular base station backhaul with obstructed LOS.

FIG. 4A is a table of a partial listing for the frequency availabilityfor specific radio services 47 C.F.R. §101.101, and a proposed new bandof operation for Advanced Backhaul Services.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary deployment for occupancy of services inthe 7125 to 8500 MHZ frequency band for legacy radios and AdvancedBackhaul Services (ABS) compliant radios amongst other services.

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of Advanced Backhaul Servicetiered service radio interconnection with an exemplary ABS deviceregistry database.

FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary deployment of an embodiment of AdvancedBackhaul Services tiered service radios within an exemplary geographicregion.

FIG. 4E illustrates exemplary embodiment of a deployment of intelligentbackhaul radios (IBRs) is deployed for cellular base station backhaulwith obstructed LOS in the presence of Tier 1 Incumbent radios accordingto an embodiment of ABS services.

FIG. 4F illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a deploymentof intelligent backhaul radios (IBRs) deployed for cellular base stationbackhaul with obstructed LOS in the presence of Tier 1 Incumbent radiosaccording to an embodiment of ABS services.

FIG. 4G illustrates an exemplary deployment of an intelligent backhaulsystem (IBS) in the presence of an existing exemplary deployment of Tier1 incumbent radios according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4H illustrates a normalized antenna gain relative to an angle frombore utilizing an exemplary antenna system.

FIG. 5A is an exemplary block diagram of an IBR including a SignatureLink Processor (SLP).

FIG. 5B is an exemplary block diagram of a Signature Link Processor(SLP).

FIG. 5C is an exemplary block diagram of a signature control channelmodem.

FIG. 5D is an illustration of an exemplary Advanced Backhaul Services(ABS) compliant signal including an in-band and inline signature signaldeployed within a single channel.

FIG. 5E is an illustration of an exemplary Advanced Backhaul Services(ABS) compliant signal including an in-band and inline signature signaldeployed within a multiple channels.

FIG. 5F is an illustration of exemplary embodiments of Advanced BackhaulServices (ABS) signature signals of various structure.

FIG. 5G is an illustration of an exemplary Advanced Backhaul Services(ABS) compliant signal including an in-band and embedded signaturesignal.

FIG. 5H is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a SlidingCorrelator (SC).

FIG. 5I is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a ComplexSliding Correlator Block (CSCB).

FIG. 5J is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a SlidingDetector (SD).

FIG. 5K is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of an inbandinline signature detector.

FIG. 5L is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of an inbandembedded signature detector.

FIG. 6A is an illustration an exemplary Advanced Backhaul Serviceslayered control link communication protocol stack.

FIG. 6B is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor

FIG. 6C is a flow diagram of the MAC receive process for an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6D is a flow diagram of the MAC transmit process for an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6E is an illustration of the radio link protocol (RLP) messageformat of Advanced Backhaul Services control link control link accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a flow diagram of the RRC transmit process for an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B is a flow diagram of the RRC scan process for an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7C is a flow diagram of the RRC Bloom process for an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of exemplary ABS registry entries accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B is a flow diagram of the Common Control Channel basic broadcastalert process for an Advanced Backhaul Services control link protocolprocessor according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8C is a flow diagram of the Management Entity (ME) Tier 2 channelselection and link initialization process for an Advanced BackhaulServices control link protocol processor according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 8D is a flow diagram of the Management Entity (ME) Tier 3 channelselection and link initialization process for an Advanced BackhaulServices control link protocol processor according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9A is an exemplary embodiment of a Self-Organizing Backhaul RadioNetwork and system including a plurality of SOBR enabled IBR links andassociated network elements.

FIG. 9B is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of aSelf-Organizing Backhaul Radio signature control link protocolprocessor.

FIG. 9C is an illustration an exemplary Self Organizing Backhaul Radiolayered signature control link communication protocol stack.

FIG. 9D is a flow diagram of the Management Entity (ME) channelselection and link initialization process for a Self-Organizing BackhaulRadio signature control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A is an exemplary block diagram of an SOBR enabled IBR includinga Signature Link Processor (SLP).

FIG. 10B is a timing diagram illustrating processing of SignatureControl Channel and PPDU-1 with Tx-path and Rx-path of respective IBRchannel MUXs according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11A is an illustration of an exemplary Self Organizing BackhaulRadio (SOBR) compliant signal including an in-band and embeddedsignature signal (Signature Control Channel (SCC)).

FIG. 11B is an illustration of an alternative exemplary Self OrganizingBackhaul Radio (SOBR) compliant signal including an in-band and embeddedsignature signal (Signature Control Channel (SCC)).

FIG. 11C is an illustration of a further exemplary Self OrganizingBackhaul Radio (SOBR) compliant signal including an in-band and embeddedsignature signal (Signature Control Channel (SCC)).

FIG. 11D is an illustration of exemplary embodiments of Self OrganizingBackhaul Radio (SOBR) compliant signals of various structures.

FIG. 12A is an exemplary block diagram of a Signature Link Processor(SLP) of a Self-Organizing Backhaul Radio (SOBR).

FIG. 12B is an exemplary block diagram of a signature control channelmodem of a Self-Organizing Backhaul Radio (SOBR).

FIG. 12C is an alternative exemplary block diagram of a SignatureControl Channel (SCC) Interference Canceller of a Self-OrganizingBackhaul Radio (SOBR).

FIG. 12D is a further alternative exemplary block diagram of a SignatureControl Channel (SCC) Interference Canceller of a Self-OrganizingBackhaul Radio (SOBR).

FIG. 12E is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a slidingdetector 5J-10 for use with an embodiment of SOBR SCCM demodulation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, the following detailed descriptions includedescriptions associated with co-called Advanced Backhaul Services (ABS).This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/502,471, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and entitled Advanced BackhaulServices (ABS). FIGS. 4A through 8D were previously disclosed in the ABSApplication. While specific embodiments in the descriptions discussAdvanced Backhaul Services, in some specific embodiments, thedescriptions are applicable to embodiments of Self Organizing BackhaulRadios (SOBR). The use of the terms Advances Backhaul Services or SelfOrganizing Backhaul Radios should not be considered limiting.

FIG. 4A is a table of a partial listing for the frequency availabilityfor specific radio services 47 C.F.R. §101.101, and a proposed new bandof operation for Advanced Backhaul Services (4A-01). The new band forAdvanced Backhaul Services is not currently listed as a defined servicewithin the table for fixed microwave services. Specific embodiments ofthe disclosed invention for an Advance Backhaul service (ABS) operatewithin a band from 7125 to 8500 MHz, and include a number of tieredservices. Currently this band is not under the control of the FCC, butmay have fixed point to point services defined for government operationby the Office of Spectrum Management (OSM) within the NationalTelecommunications & Information Administration(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/office/OSM). The OSM manages the Federalgovernment's use of the radio frequency spectrum, and may be thought ofas filling a similar role for the federal government as the FCC does forthe commercial sector. Currently, most of this band is defined asgovernment exclusive operation as can be seen within the NTIA's“Redbook” defining spectrum allocations for use by the Federalgovernment(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/redbook/2013/4b_(—)13.pdf).The frequency band (4A-01) is provided as an example only, and otherbands of operated are contemplated for use with the embodimentsdisclosed.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary deployment for occupancy of services inthe 7125 to 8500 MHZ frequency band for legacy radios and AdvancedBackhaul Services (ABS) compliant radios amongst other services. Theservices deployed within this band according to embodiments of theinvention, may be time division duplex (TDD), frequency divisionduplexed (FDD) or zero division duplexed (ZDD). FDD systems utilizeseparate frequency channels for receiving (4B-10) and transmittedsignals (4B-50) to each radio, as shown in FIG. 4B. TDD systems utilizea single frequency channel (4B-30) and alternate receiving andtransmission with the radio to which they are communicating, allowingfor the deployment of such services in the center of the operationalband, as shown in FIG. 4B. As previously discussed, ZDD systems utilizesignal processing techniques to allow the simultaneous transmitting andreceiving of signals on the same frequency channels. Generally ZDDsystems could utilize similar channels to those of the TDD operatingradios, but this is not a requirement and thus ZDD systems may be ableto use any of the FDD or TDD channels.

The spectrum in the embodiment defined in FIG. 4B is partitioned into 3Sub-Bands:

SB1=7126.5−7574.5 MHz (Channels 1 to 32) SB2=7588.5−8036.5 MHz (Channels34 to 65) SB3=8050.5−8498.5 MHz (Channels 67-98)

Additionally Channels 33 (4B-20) and 66 (4B-40) are defined as CommonControl Channels (CCC), to be used for advertising the presence of ABSdevices, intercommunication between ABS devices with respect tointerference coordination and other control and overhead functions inspecific embodiments.

Channelization

In one embodiment, a network-based registry 4C-60/4C-70 (of FIG. 4C)will provide for a maximum number of channels out of the total number ofchannels available for operation for use by a particular device (or Tieras will be explained associated with FIG. 4C), either dependent, orindependent of duplex mode of operation.

As will be discussed associated with subsequent figures, and specificembodiments, ABS services may include multiple groups of “Tiers” ofdevices, each tier having specific rules by which they must operate andresult in interference protection between and among tiers of devices(such devices being referred to as tiered service radios). Such rulesmay also provide for a fairness to access of channels to prevent somedevices from unfairly using more spectrum channels than would be fair toother devices, and preventing a reasonable number of devices within ageographic region to operate simultaneously.

For example, in one embodiment associated with FIG. 4B, the individualchannels of operation are 14 MHz in Bandwidth, as is common for fixedwireless in the United States (ranging from 3.5 MHz, 7 MHz, 14 MHz,etc). In other embodiments, such as for use is Europe, channels of 5MHz, 10 MHz, or other multiples are more common.

Any given link must use and register up to 2^(N) ^(MAX) channels of 14MHz each from amongst designated channels. FDD products typicallyregister to transmit in 2^(N) ^(MAX) ⁻¹ channels of SB1 in one directionand to transmit in 2^(N) ^(MAX) ⁻¹ channels of SB3 in the oppositedirection for a given link, however FDD products are not required to usethis SB1/SB3 duplex approach.

The selection of the number of channels for operation, as mentioned forsome embodiments, may be determined based upon the tier of service adevice belongs to, and determined according to parameters provided byaccessing a registry and may be specific to a geographic region.

In one example, for Tier 2 products, N_(MAX)=3 (e.g. 2^(N) ^(MAX) =8)resulting in 8×14 MHz, or 112 MHz would be typical in most geographicregions. In a related example, For Tier 3 products, N_(MAX)=2 (e.g.2^(N) ^(MAX) =4) resulting in 4×14 MHz, or 56 MHz would be typical inmost geographic regions. The total number of channels that can be usedby both transmitters in aggregate for any given link is M_(TOT)=2^(N)^(MAX) .

In the current embodiment, the M_(TOT) channels can be occupied byeither or both transmitters at any time for a given link, and may bedependent on the Tier of service, and geographic region. An example of ageographic region is shown in FIG. 4D by the boundary lines 4D-10,4D-15, 4D-20, and 4D-25

Continuing with the current exemplary embodiment, M_(ACTUAL) is theactual number of channels (up to M_(TOT)), in use at any time. Once atiered service radio (or tiered device) is registered, (thus, becoming aregistered radio) to transmit M_(REG) channels in any of SB1, SB2, orSB3, such a product can transmit subject to sharing rules herein, on 1to M_(REG) channels contiguously as available. In the currentembodiment, non-contiguous Tx channels at a single transmitter are notallowed.

According to the rules of the current embodiment, all transmitters(tiered service radios for example) are fixed and registered prior tofirst usage (including Tier 3 devices). In an exemplary embodiment, nodevices are mobile.

In one embodiment, the registration may include Tx location, antennaparameters, Tx channels(s) (or channel numbers), Tx power (or max txpower), signature parameters (such as code sequences, demodulationparameters, structures, identifiable aspects of the signature radiosignals, etc.), acceptable co-channel sharing signatures (or classes ofsignatures), Tx signaling method(s), signature approach (inline versusembedded), signature power in dB relative to nominal Tx power level,and/or maximum registered Tx power. More detail and specific examples ofexemplary registry entries are discussed associated with FIG. 8A in moredetail.

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of Advanced Backhaul Servicetiered service radio interconnection with an exemplary ABS deviceregistry database. In one embodiment, each tiered service radio (ortiered device) has specific rules and procedures, which are required tobe followed, except for a legacy device. The tiered service radiosprovide for interference protection for legacy devices, or from otherdevices at the same or lower tier. Membership to a tier varies basedupon the specific tier. For example in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and4B, utilizing spectrum with fixed point to point devices operating underexisting rules, such devices as currently in use for Federal point topoint wireless communications would be deemed to be Tier 1 devices4C-10. Such currently deployed devices would be deemed “legacy” Tier 14C-10, where new devices which also belong to existing government users,would be deemed “incumbent” Tier 1 devices 4C-20, and may have specificrequirements for the deployed equipment differing from the currentlydeployed legacy Tier 1 devices. In one embodiment Tier 1 devices 4C-10,4C-20 would be protected from interference by requiring lower tierdevices (4C-30, 4C-40) to perform a registry look up for a specificgeographic region. Specific criteria, in some embodiments, is passed tothe registry so as to retrieve information related to the registeredradios on interest. In this embodiment, it would be a requirement of thedevices, of lower tiers of service performing the registry look up,utilizing specific criteria, to be able to determine, or to be provided,their current geographic coordinates. In other embodiments, the specificcriteria may be a subset or inquiry criteria and be within the tieredservice radio and used to filter the information returned from theregistry. In further embodiments, specific criteria such as geographiclocation, tier of the inquiring device, etc., may be passed to theregistry as inquiry criteria and the filtering and/or selection ofinformation performed within the registry completely. In yet furtherembodiments, the selection of information from the registry based uponthe specific criteria may be performed on one or both of either theinquiring tiered service radio or the registry apart (or incombination).

Returning to the current description, the only protection a legacy Tier1 device 4C-10 would have is the registry 4C-70 with a pre-definedexclusion zone associated with a geographic location. Such an exclusionzone within may be defined by one or more center points, and a radiusfrom each center point, or another definable geographic shape such as arectangle, or an ellipse, or the like. An example of such an exclusionzone is provided in FIG. 4D, associated with exclusion zone 4D-35.Exclusion zone 4D-35 provides for an ellipse as defined within theserver 4C-60 and registry database 4C-70. Lower tier devices, such asTier 2 Devices 4C-30 and Tier 3 Devices 4C-40, connect to server 4C-60and registry database 4C-70 via network connections 4C-35, 4C-45, and4C-65, and over an interim network 4C-50 in some embodiments. Such anetwork 4C-50 may be a private network, or the public Internet, or both.Additionally, Incumbent Tier 1 devices may include a network connection4C-25 in some embodiments. Incumbent Tier 1 Devices 4C-20 mayadditionally become a registered radio with the registry database 4C-70in some embodiments, or may transmit an alert message advertising theIncumbent Tier 1 Device's presence, or perform both registration as wellas advertisement. Such an advertisement may be performed in a number ofways including on the so-called common control channels (4B-20, 4B-40)and associated with FIG. 4B. In other embodiments, alerts may betransmitted inband so as to allow for an accurate assessment of thereceived signal from the Tier 1 device, and to determine an acceptabletransmission power so as to ensure no detrimental interference to theTier 1 Device. An example of Incumbent Tier 1 devices operatingutilizing in-band alert transmission is provided associated with FIG.4D. Incumbent T1 Device (T1-I) 4D-40-A is in communication with T1-I4D-40-B, both transmitting an alert signal, including informationidentifying the device and either including the transmitted power withinthe alert, or retrievable from the registry database. Additionalinformation may be included with the transmission or within the registryas well such as locations of the devices, and frequencies or operation,and mode (TDD/FDD/ZDD) of the device, and the like. More detail relatedto embodiments of the registry entries are provided associated with FIG.8A. For example, such information can be used to determine thepropagation path loss to the transmitter or to estimate path loss topotential receivers associated with the stations. Tier 2 devices4D-60-A, 4D-60-B may utilize transmission limits as determined from suchparameters so as to operate in closer proximity to the T1-I devices4D-40-A and B, rather than simply utilizing an exclusion zone.

Referring back to FIG. 4C, Tier 2 Devices are registered users (orregistered radios) and are provided with a license, which offersinterference protection relative to other Tier 2 devices, and Tier 3devices. Tier 2 devices (T2), in some embodiments, have no interferenceprotection from Tier 1 devices (Legacy or Incumbent). To receive alicense, operators of T2 devices may pay a fee that may be determined byin a number of ways, in various embodiments. Such a fee may be basedupon:

-   -   i. number of channels up to a maximum for initial registration,        and annual usage per link for a specific geographic region,        and/or    -   ii. by Auction, and/or    -   iii. by Status (such as, for example only, providing a service        deemed a public good)

Exemplary rules that may be required for Tier 2 devices include:

-   -   Tier 2 users must not use, or must vacate upon detection,        channels occupied by Tier 1 users.    -   Tier 2 users must occasionally re-check the registry database        (based upon time, duration, or the like).    -   Tier 2 devices must advertise their presence by transmitting an        Alert signal including a T2 Alert Signature, and registering        within the registry data base 4C-70 (or becoming a registered        radio), including the start time of their active operation and        other details, such as for example, described associated with        FIG. 8A.

An example of a T2 device being prevented from operating, as accordingto the foregoing rules, is provided associated with FIG. 4D, and T2device 4D-45. The T2 device 4D-45 is geographically too close to T1-Idevice 4D-40-A, and upon performing a scan of the radio environmentdetects alerts from the T1 device (for example a signature radio signalin one embodiment), and thus T2 device 4D-45 is prevented from operatingon the same channel(s) on which T1-I device 4D-40-A operates. If otherunoccupied channels are available, the T2 device 4D-45 would be not beprevented from attempting operation on those alternative channels,unless those channels were otherwise not allowed due to yet anotherdevice's exclusion zones, or alert signature transmissions that could bedetected.

An example of rules for an embodiment for T2 devices to achieveinterference protection from other T2 users is:

-   -   Tier 2 users must not use channels already occupied by other        Tier 2 users as either:        -   i. Detectable at a threshold with a valid Tier 2 signature,            or        -   ii. Registered (as a registered radio) in a look up for a            geographic location within a Tier 2's exclusion zone, unless        -   iii. Existing channel occupant Tier 2 user with “precedence”            agrees to accept the presence of the new channel occupant            tier 2 user. For these purposes precedence is defined as the            device having initiated continuous operation on a            channel (s) earlier in time, as entered within the registry.

Just as Tier 1 devices, in the current embodiment, have priority and areprotected from interference from Tier 2 devices, Tier 2 devices havepriority and are protected from interference from Tier 3 devices 4C-40,of FIG. 4C. In this embodiment, priority indicates that a device may beplaced in the presence and cause interference to another device of lowerpriority, thus causing the lower priority device (or lower Tier device)to modify operating parameters (or adjustable network parameters) suchas channel of operation, transmission power, antenna selection, transmitor receive antenna beam patterns, polarization, or the like. Furtherupon alert detection, registry entry read, or direct notification to thelower Tier device by a higher Tier device, that a tiered service radiois present, the lower tier device as a lower priority tiered serviceradio must cease operating (in one embodiment) and re-initializeoperating according the rules associated with that Tier's operation. Inspecific embodiments, Tier 2 devices, being licensed and registered (asregistered radios), have priority over Tier 3 devices (T3), and receiveinterference protection from the Tier 3 devices. According to oneembodiment, Tier 3 devices must be certified to obey operating rules oftheir Tier, but would not be licensed to a channel or geographic regionand may not be required to pay any type of a fee associated with alicense. Example rules for operating Tier 3 devices are as follows,according to one embodiment:

Tier 3—Unlicensed Users

-   -   Allowed to use up to “unlicensed max” number of channels for a        specific geographic region as determined by registry look up,        and        -   Wherein Tier 3 users must not use, or must vacate upon            detection of any Tier 1 or Tier 2 user at any time        -   Wherein Tier 3 users must certify:            -   i. Detection capability for Tier 1 and Tier 2                signatures, and            -   ii. The ability to access the registry prior to                transmitting on the ABS channels

The various tiers of devices have interference priorities and obeysharing rules. However, specific embodiments may provide for certainchannels to be reserved for specific tiers of operation to ensure fairaccess to the spectrum resources. For example, in one embodimentassociated with FIG. 4B, Channels 1,2, 34, 65, 97, 98 plus otherchannels as designated for any given geographic zone within the registryare Tier 2 Exclusion Channels. Tier 2 products can use such channels butreceive no protection from Tier 3 transmitters. This ensures that Tier 3devices can never be completely precluded from all operation in anygiven geographic region by a high density of Tier 2 devices.

As described above, in embodiments of ABS services, T1-Incumbent, T2,and T3 devices are required to transmit an alert having a signaturesequence. In other embodiments, only T3 devices, or both T3 and T2devices are required to transmit an alert signature. The alert signaturemay vary in different embodiments of the invention, and may betransmitted on the common control channels in some cases, or within theband of operation (in-band) in other embodiments. Further, when thealerts are transmitted in-band they may be “in-line” or “embedded”. Oneexample of an embedded signature sequence was disclosed associated withco-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 13/763,530, the entirety of whichis incorporated herein by reference. The structure of the alert signalsand the signatures within them are described in further detail withrespect to FIG. 5D, FIG. 5E, FIG. 5F, and FIG. 5G.

In one embodiment, all transmitters required to transmit an alert musttransmit signatures having at least 0.01% (or −40 dBc) of the nominaltransmit energy in every 1 s period (P_(NOM)×1 s) based upon relativetransmit time and relative transmit power.

In one exemplary embodiment, a signature of duration 100 μs can betransmitted either in-band/in-line, in-band/embedded, or on the commoncontrol channel. Further embodiments may include transmitting an alertsignature from a receiver antenna, so as to enhance the potential fordetermining interference potential and accuracy or to aid the estimationof the interference potential from other ABS devices. Such an approachmay be applicable for ZDD and/or TDD based devices, or FDD devices anyof which may utilize interference cancelation approaches at the receiverto remove the transmitted alert. Alternatively such an approach mayutilize in-line bursts of the alert signal in designated non-receptiontime periods at the receive antenna.

In one example of inline signaling for an in-band/inline alert, a burstsignature at P_NOM transmission power level for 100 μs is utilized, oneevery second. In another example, an alert signature may be transmittedmultiple times per second, but at a power level of

$\frac{P_{NOM}}{\frac{T_{SIG}}{100\mspace{14mu} {us}}}$

so as to result in the same integrated power over the 1-second period.As a result, a receiving device can be sure of the integrated receivepower per unit time, relative to the nominal transmission power of thesignal carrying information. Such a process of interference estimationfurther enhances the ability of the detecting device to assess thepotential for interfering with the detected device upon beginningtransmissions from the detecting device.

In another embodiment where the alert is transmitted on the CommonControl Channel (4B-20 and/or 4B-40) one alert will be transmitted at arandom time within every 1 ms time period, including a 100 μs burstsignature at P_(NOM), again allowing for the estimation of the powerlevel of the detected alert relative to the information signal from thattransmitting device.

The common control channel is further available for non-protectionsignaling broadcasts instead of inline signatures. For example, thecommon control channel may be utilized for intercommunication betweentiered service radios, in contrast to simply advertising the presence ofthe device so as to make tiered service radios of a relative lower tierrefrain from interfering with the instant tiered service radio (e.g.protection signaling).

One embodiment of the common control channel is available for limitedframe exchanges for any Tier 2 or 3 transmitters without currentregistration subject to such exemplary restrictions as:

-   -   P_(LIMIT)=P_(NOM), and modulation is only within channel    -   Max 100 us frame duration that is randomly chosen    -   Max 1 frame per TX Period of 1 ms    -   Max 100 frames per TX per second    -   At least one signature frame per Tx per second

One embodiment of a signature and associated payload will now bediscussed, which includes a unique 32 bit address assigned as a 16 bitmanufacturer code and a 16 bit random address. The alert may alsoinclude the transmission or reception channels, and may be modulatedutilizing non-coherent DQPSK or DBPSK using a code sequence. In variousembodiments, the code sequence is a direct sequence spreading code, andutilize one or more of a Barker, PN, maximal length code, CAZAC, Gold,Zadoff-Chu, and the like.

In one example having 1 signature of length 100 us in a 14 MHz channelresults in ≈12.39 Msym/s or 1238+ symbols/100 us when using a rootraised cosign filter of 1.13. The information bits may further utilize a½ rate Reed Muller or Reed Solomon Code (for Parity Check), and bemodulated according to DQPSK. One embodiment would then result in atleast 37 spreading “chips” per bit, with 32 bits of information.

Alternative embodiments of the structure and processing of alerts andtheir transmission and associated layered protocols will be providedassociated with subsequent figures.

Transmission Power of ABS Signals

Associated with the example embodiment of FIG. 4B, and having 14 MHzchannels, the power limit for a given device may be given by:

$P_{LIMIT} = {P_{NOM} + {10*{\log \left\lbrack \frac{{Aggregate}\mspace{14mu} {information}\mspace{14mu} {Rate}}{28*M_{ACTUAL}} \right\rbrack}}}$

Where P_(NOM) is the nominal power level determined from the registryfor the given tier of service, and the geographic operating region.

Further the maximum equivalent (or effective) isotropically radiatedpower for a given tiered service radio is determined by

Max EIRP=P _(LIMIT) *G _(TxMAX)

where G_(TxmAx) is max Tx antenna gain limit for a given geographiczone.

Each ABS device must further demonstrate and be certified to performtransmit power control over P_(NOM)−10 dB to P_(MAX) (whereP_(MAX)P≦P_(LIMIT)).

As previously described, the alerts may be utilized so as to determinethe potential for interfering with other devices within the area suchthat antenna and transmission parameters (as adjustable networkparameters) may be adjusted so as to reduce the potential forinterfering with higher tier devices, or devices of the same tier butwith a earlier occupancy of the channel (precedence). As will bediscussed further, upon the detection of an alert from a device of thesame or lower tier, but with lower precedence if from the same tier,procedures are disclosed by which the two devices may cooperativelyreduce the interference levels to acceptable levels, or by which thelower tier or lower precedent device may be forced to discontinuetransmission all together. Such cooperative interference mitigationapproach will be discussed associated with subsequent figures, inparticular FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D.

Turning now to FIG. 4E, an exemplary embodiment of a deployment ofintelligent backhaul radios (IBRs) is deployed for cellular base stationbackhaul with obstructed LOS in the presence of Tier 1 radios accordingto an embodiment of ABS services.

FIG. 4E illustrates a deployment scenario according to one embodiment ofthe invention. In this example, Incumbent Tier 1 device (T1-I) 132 autilizes an unobstructed line of sight wireless link 136 to T1-I 132 b.The T1-Is have a relatively narrow beam (e.g., 3 dB width of 2 Degreesin both azimuth and elevation). A tall building is located between T1-I132 a and T1-I 132 b. The building 312 is short enough that it does notadversely impact link 136 because each T1-I has a relatively narrowbeam.

FIG. 4H illustrates a T1-I antenna pattern having a similar main antennabeam width and other antenna pattern attributes as the T1-Is 132 a, 132b of FIG. 4E. It is relevant to note that while the T1-I antenna patterndepicted in FIG. 4H possesses a narrow 3 dB main beam width 4H-40relative to the peak gain 4H-10 in the antenna bore sight direction,there remains the possibility for signal reception from angles beyondthe 3 dB beam width points, but with lesser relative antenna gainlevels. For example, the gain level at twice the 3 dB beam width may beas significant as −10 dB or −15 dB relative to the main bore sight gain4H-10. Furthermore, the gain at side lobe 4H-20 remains within −20 dB,in this example, relative to the peak bore sight gain 4H-10, and islocated at roughly 3 times the angular separation from the bore sightdirection as the 3 dB main beam radius. In contrast, antenna nulls,including nulls 4H-30, are points where the residual gain from the T1-Iantenna is at a significant minimum level and are generally interspersedbetween side lobes or other higher gain portions of the antenna pattern.The antenna pattern depicted in FIG. 4H represents a typical T1-Iantenna pattern, such as one produced by so called parabolic dishesincluding, generally, a circularly symmetric antenna gain pattern aboutthe bore sight.

As discussed in additional detail in this disclosure and the co-pendingapplications previously incorporated by reference, the use ofmulti-element antenna systems, in some configurations, allows an antennaarray's beams, side lobes, and nulls to be advantageously directed. Bythe advantageous angular placement of an antenna array's main gain lobe,and the placement of lower gain portions of the antenna array's gainpattern in specific other directions, a desired link may be maintainedwhile managing the level of undesired signal transmitted to or receivedfrom other transceiving radios (including T1-Is) in the area. Theantenna arrays may utilize adaptive techniques incorporatingtransmission null steering or reception null steering approaches. In oneembodiment, adaptive antenna array processing, including null steeringalgorithms, are utilized to allow for the deployment of RE-IBR 4E-20 andAE-IBR 4E-10 of FIG. 4E (as either T2 or T3 devices) in the presence ofT1-Is 132 a and 132 b so as to not impact the T1-Is 132 a,b receiverperformance by reducing interfering signal levels from each IBRimpinging upon the T1-I antenna gain patterns. As estimate of therelative interference from the T2 or T3 devices to the T1-I devices maybe determined utilizing the detection of the alert signature transmittedfrom the T1-I devices.

In one embodiment, the antenna elements 352A of FIGS. 3A to 3H (e.g.,utilized by IBR 4E-10 and 4E-20) have a 3 dB antenna beam width inelevation of 15 degrees and a 3 dB antenna beam width of 30 degrees inazimuth. Such individual antenna pattern radiation patterns may causeinterference to deployed T1-Is in the geographic area. In one example,the signal transmissions from RE-IBR 4E-20 to T1-I 132 a via propagationpath 4E-60 are received at a sufficient level so as to cause adegradation of the T1-I link 136 performance. In another example, asignal transmitted from AE-IBR 4E-10 along a signal propagation path4E-70 is scattered from building 312 and received in a side lobe of theantenna pattern of T1-I 132 b at a sufficient level to also impact theT1-I to T1-I link performance.

In one embodiment, the RE-IBR 4E-20 and AE-IBR 4E-10 utilize amulti-element antenna array such as depicted in FIG. 3I. Such an antennaarray configuration allow for spatial array processing. Such spatialarray processing may include phased array processing, digital beamforming, transmission null steering, elevation and azimuth beamsteering, antenna selection, beam selection, polarization adjustments,MIMO processing techniques, and other antenna pattern modification andspatial processing approaches for both the transmission and reception ofsignals. It will be appreciated that other antenna array configurationsmay be used, which have more or fewer antenna elements than theexemplary IBR antenna arrays depicted in FIGS. 3I and 3J, and which havedifferent geometrical arrangements, polarizations, directionalalignments and the like.

Further exemplary embodiments of alternative antenna elements, andantenna arrays for use with the forgoing embodiments are disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/199,734 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,872,715,entitled “Backhaul Radio With A Substrate TAB-FED Antenna Assembly”, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. Examples of embodiments disclosed within theincorporated specification of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/199,734 are depicted in FIG. 3J-5C, FIG. 3J-8A, FIG. 3J-8F, FIG.3J-10A, FIG. 3J-10B, and FIG. 3J-13B. The descriptions of the forgoingfigures respectively correspond to the incorporated specificationrelating to FIG. 5C, FIG. 8A, FIG. 8F, FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 13Bof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/199,734.

Embodiments of the invention are advantageous because the impact to theT1-I link performance can be reduced or eliminated completely whileallowing for the deployment of the IBR 4E-10 and IBR 4E-20 in the samegeographical region as the T1-I devices 132 a and 132 b with sufficientinter-IBR link 4E-50 performance. In some embodiments, IBR deploymentsmay be enabled in the same geographical areas and within the samefrequency bands, and in further embodiments such deployments may be in aco-channel configuration amongst a T1-I link and an IBR link, whileallowing for sufficient performance between IBR 4E-10 and IBR 4E-20.

With reference to FIGS. 4F and 4G, specific embodiments of Tier 2 orTier 3 devices are described with respect to reducing interference toco-channel Tier 1 devices according to an embodiment of the ABSservices.

FIGS. 4F and 4G illustrate additional exemplary deployments of IBRs inthe presence of T1-Is. FIG. 4F is a side perspective view of elements ofa deployment embodiment example, and FIG. 4G is a top perspective viewof the deployment embodiment. It should also be noted that somegeometrical differences exist between FIG. 4F and FIG. 4G to provideillustrative descriptions. Where FIG. 4F and FIG. 4G are in conflict orotherwise are inconsistent, the differences should be consideredalternative embodiments.

Intelligent backhaul radios RE-IBR 4F-20 and AE-IBR 4F-25 are deployedwith configurations as previously discussed in the related embodimentsof IBRs 4E-10 and 4E-20. The IBRs 4F-20 and 4F-25 are deployed forcellular base station backhaul with obstructed LOS propagation link4F-60 according to one embodiment of the invention.

In FIGS. 4F and 4G, T1-I A 4F-05 and T1-I B 4F-10 are deployed forcellular base station backhaul with unobstructed line of sight (LOS)propagation link 4F-15. T1-Is 4F-05 and 4F-10 are deployed within thesame geographical region of the IBRs 4F-20 and 4F-25. Each of T1-I 4F-05and 4F-10 uses an antenna pattern, with 3 dB main beam width.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4F, antenna elements 352A (see, forexample, FIGS. 3A-H) are utilized by IBR 4F-20 and 4F-25 and have a 3 dBantenna beam width in elevation of 15 degrees and a 3 dB antenna beamwidth of 30 degrees in azimuth. Such individual antenna patternradiation patterns may cause interference to deployed T1-Is in thegeographic area. In one example, the signal transmissions from RE-IBR4F-20 to T1-I 4F-05 via propagation path 4F-30 are received at asufficient level to cause a degradation of performance of the T1-I link4F-15. In another example, a signal transmitted from AE-IBR 4E-25 alongsignal propagation path 4F-40 and 4F-45 is scattered and attenuated frombuilding 4F-50 but has a sufficiently low level so as to not causeperformance degradation to intended signal reception at either of T1-I4F-10 or IBR 4F-25.

As explained above, in FIG. 4F, RE-IBR 4F-20 and AE-IBR 4F-25 aredeployed for cellular base station backhaul with obstructed LOSpropagation link 4F-60. Additionally, with respect to the presentembodiments of FIGS. 4F and 4G, RE-IBR 4F-20 and AE-IBR 4F-25 utilize amulti-element antenna array, such as antenna array 348A of FIG. 3A or3B. The antenna array 348A allows for various spatial array processing.As described above, such spatial array processing may include phasedarray processing, digital beam forming, transmission null steering,elevation and azimuth beam steering, antenna selection, beam selection,polarization adjustments, MIMO processing techniques, and other antennapattern modification and spatial processing approaches for both thetransmission and reception of signals. It should be noted the currentembodiment is only one configuration, and that other embodiments mayutilize more or fewer antenna elements and with varying geometricalarrangements, polarizations, directional alignments and the like.

Embodiments of the invention relate to determination of IBR networkparameters (including adjustable network parameters) and theinstallation and commissioning process of remote end IBRs (RE-IBRs) andAggregation End IBRs (AE-IBRs). A detailed process for installing andcommissioning the IBRs (or tiered service radios in general) isdescribed in further detail below. These processes and/or some of theprocess steps may be may be performed using one more of IBRs (404A-M)and IBCs (408A, 408B) (or Intelligent Backhaul Controller) of FIG. 4G,or elements of an Intelligent Backhaul Management System (or IBMS 420 inFIG. 4G) including IBMS Private Server 424, IBMS Private Database 432,IBMS Global Server 428, IBMS Global Database 436, the Private Database440, and the processing and storage elements accessible utilizing thepublic internet such as the Cloud computing resource 456, PublicDatabase 452, and Proprietary Database. Additional details describingthe IBC and IBMS and exemplary relationships to IBRs are found inco-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 13/271,051 for the IntelligentBackhaul System (or IBS), the entirety of which is incorporated byreference herein.

During installation or during deployment and operation of the IBRs4F-20, 4F-25, the IBS, IBMS and other public and private networkelements such as the registry server 4C-60 and database 4C-70 (which maycollectively include a registry in some embodiments) may use informationstored with one or more network elements to determine or aid in thedetermination of IBR operational parameters (adjustable networkparameters for example) for allowing co-band or co-channel operationwith manageable interference impact to and from T1-Is 4F-05 and 4F-10 orother aforementioned services within a geographic zone, or within aknown radio frequency propagation distance.

Exemplary IBR operational parameters (adjustable network parameters)include but are not limited to: the selection operational frequencies;the modification of transmitter antenna patterns; the modifying orselection of antenna polarization or spatial patterns; the selection ofspecific antennas from a set of available antennas; the selection oftransmission nulls, reducing the interference impinging upon othersystems; the selection of receiving or transmission digital beam formingweights, or algorithmic beam forming constraints; the physical movement,placement, alignment, or augmentation of one or more antenna elements orantenna arrays by electrical, or electromechanical control or by arequest for manual adjustment or augmentation during or afterinstallation; the modification of transmission power; and the selectionof interference margin values for the reduction of the risk ininterfering existing systems.

In one embodiment, the determination of the IBR operational parameters(adjustable network parameters) is performed utilizing an algorithmbased at least in part on the location of the T1-Is 4F-05 and 4F-10 andtheir radiation parameters. This information may be stored in theUniversal Licensing System (ULS) operated by the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC), or on other public or private databases or theregistry server as shown in FIG. 4C (4C-60/4C-70). In one embodiment,ULS information and associated radiation parameters in combination withradio frequency propagation models are utilized to determine the levelto which operation of an IBR, under various IBR operational parameterswould interfere with one or more Tier 1 Incumbent or Legacy services. Inanother embodiment, reports of received signal are provided by IBRs,possibly in combination with existing IBR operational parameters, to theIBMS for use in IBR operational parameter determination. Such reportsmay be stored by the IBMS and used alone or in combination with T1-I orT1-L radiation parameter information from public or private databases toperform IBR operational parameter selection.

Further embodiments may include an iterative method. For example, theIBRs may report received spectral measurements and configurationparameters to the IBMS, which performs selection of some or all for theoperation parameters, and passing the parameters to respective IBRs. TheIBRs may then perform additional or refined scanning upon initialoperation prior to the determination of subsequent IBR operationalparameters.

Upon initiating the configuration process in this embodiment, therespective IBRs perform a scan of receive channels to detect existingT1-Is. The scan process, in some embodiments, produces scan data. TheIBRs then report their respective antenna configurations and scanresults (scan data) to the IBMS. Note that in other embodiments, acentralized server may not be used at all, allowing for a distributeddecision process based upon rules. Returning to the current embodiment,the IBMS, will determine, assuming another channel may not be used, thelevel of interference the T1-I will receive. In some embodiments, thisdetermination is based also upon received signatures levels (signatureradio signal levels for example) or alert level per the disclosedinvention. The interference may be determined utilizing IBR effectiveantenna pattern adjustments and, optionally, associated informationretrieved from a database of T1-I parameters. In some embodiments, theeffective antenna pattern adjustments may include the use oftransmission beam nulling from the required one or more IBRs to furtherreduce the interference levels which may be received at the T1-I, whilemaintaining a minimum required performance between the respective IBRs.In one embodiment, an interference margin is also calculated. Theinterference margin is used as an additional reduction of the requiredinterference to the target T1-I. The interference margin may be based ona fixed amount; a level of uncertainty of the predicted interference, anamount based upon the reliability or predicted accuracy of interferencecalculations, or based upon using or the availability of, the specificvalues of T1-I antenna and operating transmission parameters retrievedfrom a database.

In some embodiments, the RE-IBRs and AE-IBRs may operate on channels forwhich no interference is detected, but are within a predetermineddistance of T1-Is. The distance is determined based on the geographiclocation of the IBRs and the T1-Is. The location of the T1-Is may bedetermined by accessing, for example, the FCC (ULS) database. In suchsituations, the IBMS may utilize an interference margin value or otheroperational constraint value based upon propagation models to furtherreduce the likelihood of interfering with the T1-I.

In some embodiments, co-existence of the IBRs with FDD T1-Is may berequired. In these embodiments, interference margins or operationaltransmission constraints, including transmission beam nulling, may needto be calculated. For example, in one embodiment, the selection of thetransmission antennas to utilize for receive during a scan procedureduring configuration may allow for enhancement of transmit beam formingand transmit nulling operations and may further aid in the determinationof values related to transmission beam nulling.

In some embodiments, received signals transmitted from a T1-I 4F-05operating in FDD are detected during a scan procedure at an IBR 4F-20.However, the IBR to IBR link, in one deployment, is configured tooperate on the specific FDD paired frequency co-channel used forreceiving by the FDD T1-I 4F-05 as determined, for example, by the IBMS420 in FIG. 4G and FCC data base records in a public data base 452, orthe registry server 4C-60 and database 4C-70. In this embodiment,transmission beam nulling weighs for the T1-I 4F-05 receiving channel(uplink paired channel used by T1-I 4F-05 for receiving from T1-I 4F-10)or other transmission constraints may be determined based upon thereceived signals at the IBR 4F-20 in the paired (downlink paired channelas used by T1-I 4F-05 to transmit to T1-I 4F-10) channel, despite thefrequency difference for the transmission channel. Such calculations mayutilize propagation modeling to determine interference levels, reportedmeasurements by the IBR to determine the level of frequency flat orfrequency selective fading, and data base values related to T1-Iparameters. In this embodiment, these calculations involve a constrainedtransmission beam forming calculation for example, including aninterference margin based at least in part upon the determined level offlat or selective fading of the scanned signal on the paired band.

Embodiments of the invention allow for IBR adjustable network parametersto be selected to avoid co-channel operation with T1-Is. In deploymentswhere co-channel operation between the IBRs and T1-Is is not avoidable,the impact on link performance to the T1-I 4F-10 and from T1-I 4F-05 canbe reduced or eliminated completely while allowing for the deployment ofthe IBR 4F-20 and IBR 4F-25 in the same geographical region withsufficient inter-IBR link 4F-60 performance. In some embodiments, theIBRs may be deployed in the same geographical areas and within the samefrequency bands as T1-Is. In some embodiments, the IBRs and T1-Is may bedeployed in a co-channel configuration, while still allowing forsufficient performance between IBR 4F-20 and IBR 4F-25.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, an embodiment of an IBR including a SignatureLink Processor (SLP) is depicted. A number of the blocks common withFIGS. 3A and 3B are shown, whose functioning is generally describedassociated with the foregoing description. Relative to FIG. 3B, FIG. 5Aprovides for a modified IBR MAC 512A, and an additional block referredto as a Signature Link Processor (SLP) 500.

Embodiments of IBR MAC 512A generally incorporate the functionality ofthe various embodiments of IBR MAC 312A. Some Embodiments of IBR MAC512A may additionally include MAC processing supporting the optimizationof the wireless links utilizing ECHO devices as described more fully inco-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 13/763,530, the entirety of whichis incorporated herein by reference. Additionally some embodiments ofIBR MAC 512A will support peer to peer and communications with otherdevices (e.g. ECHO devices) utilizing a Signature control channel forthe transfer of control information.

Embodiments of the Signature Link Processor (SLP) 500 provide for thereception and insertion of an additional wireless communications channelreferred to as a Signature control channel in specific embodiments.Associated with IBR transmission, the Signature Link Processor receivestransmit symbol streams (1 . . . K) from IBR Modem 324A and provides thesame transmit symbol streams (1 . . . K) to the IBR Channel MUX 328Awith additional Signature control channels added to the individualstreams, if such processing is enabled. In some embodiments whereSignature control channels are not actively associated with any specifictransmit symbol stream, the transmit symbol streams are passed to theirrespective with no addition of Signature control channel signal.Embodiments of the SLP may provide for a unique Signature controlchannel to be added to each of the respective transmit symbol streams.In other embodiments the SLP may provide for the components of thecontrol channel or the control channel in entirety to be added commonlyto all transmit symbol stream in a related fashion.

In one exemplary embodiment utilizing a common control channelstructure, a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) pilot signalutilizing a first orthogonal code will be added commonly to all streamsprocessed for transmission by the SLP. Additionally, in the instantembodiment, each individual stream will receive a respective second copyof the DSSS pilot signal, but modulated with a differing orthogonal coderespectively associated with the individual transmit symbol streams.Such modulation may be accomplished using modulo 2 additions,multipliers, or bi-phase modulators as known in the art. The individualorthogonal codes may additionally be modulated by information bits inthe form of the IBR_SLP_Data transmit data interface stream, resultingin a Signature control sub-channel symbol stream. One such referenceteaching DSSS and CDMA modulation and demodulation techniques is CDMA:Principles of Spread Spectrum Communications, by Andrew J. Viterbi(Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., ISBN: 0-201-63374-1). Some embodiments ofthe Signature control channel having a specific structure utilizingmultiple sub-channels are referred to as a common control channel. Theuse of either term in specific instances should not be consideredlimiting, and in some cases is utilized interchangeably.

Embodiments of the Signature Link Processor (SLP) 500 further providefor the reception and demodulation of Signature control channelsinserted into one or more transmitted symbol streams by other devices,such as an ECHO device. Associated with IBR reception, the SignatureLink Processor 500 receives receive symbol streams (1 . . . L) from IBRChannel MUX 328A and provides the same transmit symbol streams (1 . . .L) to the IBR Modem 324A, with the detection and or demodulation of anyassociated Signature control channels within the individual streams, ifsuch processing is enabled. The resulting demodulated data from theSignature control channels is provided to the IBR MAC 512A by the SLP500 as IBR_SLP_Data. Embodiments of the SLP may provide for a uniqueSignature control channel to be received and demodulated associated witheach of the respective receive symbol streams. In other embodiments theSLP may provide for the components of the control channel or the controlchannel in entirety be detected and demodulated commonly from allreceive symbol streams.

In alternative embodiments, with appropriate interfaces, the SLP may beplaced between the IBR Channel Mux 328A and the IBR RF 332A so as toallow for a single Signature control channel on a per transmit orreceive chain basis rather than on per symbol stream basis.

In yet further alternative embodiments, a similar per chain Signaturecontrol channel result may be obtained utilizing the SLP placement asshown in FIG. 5A but with amplitude and phase weightings so as to causethe IBR Channel MUX to achieve the intended result. Such combinations ofIBR Channel MUX processing with coordinated SLP processing furtherallows for additional control of capabilities of mapping specificSignature control streams with specific transmit or receive chainsassociated with the IBR RF 332A.

FIG. 5B is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of the SignatureLink Processor (SLP) 500. The SLP controller provides for interfacingthe SLP Data, RRC and/or RLC with the Signature Control Channel Modem(or SCCM) data and control information denoted as SCCM_Data-(1 . . . KL)and SCCM_Ctrl-(1 . . . KL) via communication with the individualSignature Control Channel Modems (510B-1 . . . 510B-KL). Such interfacesallow for the interchange of data, including and control informationwith the individual modems. For example the relative signal level andtiming of the individual per stream Signature control channels andsub-channels within transmit symbol streams may be set utilizing thecontrol information contained within the SCCM_Ctrl-kl signals (where klvaries linearly from 1 to KL). Additionally the correlated signal levelof a Signature control channel or sub-channel, the received signal levelindication of all the signals, and the timing information of thereceived signals may be additionally communicated from the individualSCCM Modems to the SLP Controller 520B, and to the RLC, SLP_Data, andRRC subsequently. It should be understood that the SLP_Data signal ofFIG. 5B corresponds to the IBR_SLP_Data signal of FIG. 5A. However, asthe SLP will be disclosed as being utilized in subsequent embodimentsassociated with ECHO devices, the naming within FIG. 5B is more generic.

Additionally, the DRx-kl signals (where kl varies from 1 to KL) providefor digitally sampled signals associated with the 1 to L receive symbolstreams, in some embodiments. The DRx_Out-kl signals (where kl variesfrom 1 to KL) are respectively coupled to DRx-kl, to provide for a passthrough operation of the respective DRx-kl signals, for example when anSLP is utilized within an IBR. Such a pass through coupling, in someembodiments, allows for the coupling of the receive symbol streams fromthe IBR Channel MUX 238A to the IBR Modem 324A. In some alternativeembodiments where the SLP is utilized within a repeater device, suchDRx_Out-kl signals may not be utilized by the repeater device and maynot be depicted as external ports to the SLP in such embodiments.

The DTx_In-kl and DTx_Out-kl signals (where kl varies from 1 to KL)provide for a digitally sampled signals associated with the 1 to Ktransmit symbol streams respectively input and output from SLP 500, insome embodiments. An individual Signature Control Channel Modem 510B-kl,provides a modulated control channel (MTx-kl) to a respective exemplaryAdder 514B-kl, which combines MTx-kl with the input transmit symbolstream DTx_In-kl. Adder 514B-kl in turn provides the Signature ControlChannel Signal DTx_Out-kl. In embodiments where no input to a particularDTx_In-kl is provided, the MTx-kl signal is provided directly asDTx_Out-kl.

Note that KL need not be equal to either K or L. In some embodimentswhere there is a one to one correspondence between transmit symbolstreams and Signature control channels (or sub-channels in a commoncontrol channel structure), KL must be equal to or greater than K. Incases where KL (the number of SCCMs) exceeds K (the number of transmitsymbol streams) the excess SCCMs may not be utilized for transmission,or may be used for other purposes. One such purpose would be for usededicated to a transmit chain, such as might be used with a single highgain antenna panel for example.

Further, when there is a one to one correspondence between the number ofreceive symbol streams and the number of Signature control channelsassociated with these streams, KL (number of SCCMs) must be equal to orexceed L (number of receive symbol streams). In the case where KLexceeds L, a number of the SCCMs may remain unused for reception ofSignature control channels, or may be utilized for other purposes suchas receiving Signature control channels from individual receive chains.

FIG. 5C is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a Signaturecontrol channel modem 510B-kl. Digitally sampled receive symbol streamDRx-kl is coupled to Signature Control Channel Detector/Synchronizerblock 570C, which preforms timing synchronization with the DSSS signalswithin the input signal, and detects the presence and associated signallevels (in uncorrelated and correlated levels for example, Io, Ec, Es,Ec/Io and/or, Es/Io), and associated timing information and provides oneor more of the determined values to the Modem Timing Controller 550C.The Modem Timing Controller 550C, in one embodiment, utilizes the timingand received Ec/Io information to trigger the demodulation and ortransmission of Signature control signals respectively associated withthe Digital Demodulator 560C and the Digital Modulator 580C. Thedigitally sampled receive symbol stream DRx-kl is additionally coupledto the Digital Demodulator 560C, which upon receiving SCCM_Ctrlconfiguration information, and timing information from the Modem TimingController dispreads and demodulates the DSSS signals associated withthe Signature Control Channel and any associated pilot, and any datasub-channels for SCCM_Data. The SCCM_Ctrl configuration information, inspecific embodiments, may contain a specific PN code, Gold code, orother code to be utilized for spreading and dispreading in the SCCM 510Bfor use in Digital Demodulator 560C and Digital Modulator 580C.Additionally, the SCCM_Ctrl may contain the identity of values ofspecific orthogonal codes for use with specific sub-channels of a commoncontrol channel structure. Such orthogonal codes may include WalshCodes, CAZAC Codes, Zadoff-Chu codes and the like. Further, the specificcodes may be designated as for use with a pilot channel utilized forsynchronization and as a phase and amplitude reference for demodulation,and other codes designated for use with specific data sub-channelscarrying BPSK modulated data in one example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 5C, Digital Modulator 580C provides a modulated control channelsignal MTx-kl, upon receiving the mentioned configuration informationfrom the SCCM_Ctrl, the SCCM_Data to be transmitted, and the timing fromthe Modem Timing Controller 550C. Either, or both of the DigitalModulator 580C and the Digital Demodulator 560C may be disabledutilizing the SCCM_Ctrl signal.

As mentioned previously, such DSSS and CDMA transmission and receptionapproaches and structures are well known in the art including asutilized in the downlink of IS-95, W-CDMA, CDMA-2000 and the like.Further aspects of such art is disclosed in the previously referencesbook CDMA: Principles of Spread Spectrum Communications, by Andrew J.Viterbi (Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., ISBN: 0-201-63374-1).

An alternative embodiment, not shown, of the SLP 500 of FIG. 5A may beimplemented using in reference to FIGS. 5B and 5C a separate bank ofDigital Modulators 580C arranged from 1 to K each with an output MTx-kand respective inputs SCCM_Ctrl-k and SCCM_Data-k, a separate bank ofDigital Demodulators 560C arranged from 1 to L each with an input DRx-1,an associated Detector/Synchronizer 570C and timing control signals, andrespective outputs SCCM_Ctrl-1 and SCCM_Data-1, as well as associatedDRx bypasses, DTx combiners and modified SLP Controller 520B as would beapparent to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 5D is an illustration of an exemplary Advanced Backhaul Services(ABS) compliant signal including an in-band and inline signature signaldeployed within a single channel. The vertical (y) axis of the figurecorresponds to the frequency spectrum, while the horizontal (x) axiscorresponds to time increasing from left to right. The bandwidth of theexemplary ABS signal corresponds to the minimum channel bandwidth forthe ABS services, corresponding to BW_(CH) _(—) _(Min). The bandwidthBW_(CH) _(—) _(Min) corresponds to the allocated channelization of theABS system, in some embodiments to BW_(CH) _(—) _(Min) may also specifythe bandwidth of the signal (5D-10,20,30,40,50) occupying the channel aswell, while in other embodiment the ABS signal may be fixed at aproportion of this bandwidth, while in yet other embodiments the signalbandwidth may not correspond to the minimum channelization bandwidthin-so-far as the non-signature signal bandwidth does not exceed BW_(CH)_(—) _(Min). In specific embodiments, the signature based alert signal(5D-20, 5D-40) is related to the minimum channelization bandwidth toBW_(CH) _(—) _(Min), where the non signature based service signal(5D-10,30,50) may or may not correspond to the minimum channelizationbandwidth BW_(CH) _(—) _(Min). In this context, “in band” indicates thatthe signature based alert signal 5D-20,40 (or a alert signal in general)is transmitted within the same frequencies of operation as the userpayload information signals (5D-10,30,50). Additionally, in the currentembodiment, “in-line” indicates that the user payload signal(5D-10,30,50) and the Alert signals (5D-20,40) are time multiplexedtogether, and transmitted “in-line” with each other. In the currentembodiment, specific conventions or rules are followed so as to allow areceiving station adhering to the ABS system to detect and demodulatethe alerts from another station. Embodiments of the ABS system allow forsuch detection and communication even between ABS compliant devices notengaged to direct communication utilizing the user payload signal(5D-10,30,50), or even able to receive and process such user payloadsignals due to devices being from different manufacturers or havingincompatible configurations in hardware software, or management. Apre-determined arrangement of BW_(CH) _(—) _(Min), and/or other systemparameters allow for even non-compatible equipment to detect and receiveinformation to allow for knowledge relating to the presence andpotentially operating parameters of other information associated withother ABS stations within the propagation range for which interferencemay be a problem. Further, as will be discussed further, such ABScompliant stations in some embodiments may be able to not only detectsuch signatures but also respond with transmissions so as to allow forintercommunications between two ABS compliant stations. Thisintercommunication can then occur even for stations in which it iseither undesirable or even physically impossible to intercommunicateamongst directly using the user payload signal (5D-10,30,50).

In a related embodiment, inline signatures/alerts 5D-20,40 are sent atthe maximum allowable transmission power of the transmitter. In otherembodiments, the alerts (inline signatures 5D-20,40) are transmitted atthe same average transmission power level as the composite ABSinformation signal (5D-10,30,50) it is inline with, during the inlinetransmission period. Other embodiments may provide for the alerttransmission power to be set at a ratio relative to the user informationsignals (5D-10,30,50), or the like.

For some embodiments using inline, in-band communications, timingconstraints related to the transmission of the alert signals arerequired, but may allow flexibility within a pre-defined window. In oneembodiment, it is undesirable to require a fixed periodicity for theinline signature. Such an arrangement may be too rigid for specificembodiments. In such an embodiment, inline transmission periods couldbe:

-   -   i. Shorter than T_(Max) ^(Alert)    -   ii. Longer than T_(Min) ^(Alert),    -   iii. where T_(Max) ^(Alert)=T_(Min) ^(Alert)+T_(VALID) ^(Alert)

Referring again to FIG. 5D, T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) represents the period oftime in which the transmission, or the detection of an alert ispossible. T_(Max) ^(ALERT) represents the maximum duration in time sincethe detection of the last alert (or in other embodiments another timereference or event) that an alert may be received, or expected. T_(Min)^(ALERT) represents the minimum time (e.g. the soonest) for which analert may be expected or allowable to be transmitted since the lastalert (or in other embodiments another time reference or event).T_(Actual) ^(ALERT) represents the actual time between alerts (or inother embodiments another time reference or event). Other “events” mayinclude, but are not limited to, the reception of other signals such asalerts for other ABS compliant systems, or an absolute time reference,GPS time, IEEE1588 time references, or the reception of anothersignature within the ABS compliant transmission signal, which triggerssuch a relationship to an alert reception timing. The various T_(X)^(ALERT) parameters may be coded within ABS devices (or known a priori),or retrieved from the registry server (based upon geographic location orregion for example, or based upon ABS station identification in anotherexample), broadcast by ABS devices, or retrieved from a look up table.Such parameters may be usable, in one embodiment for both inline alertprocessing, but also embedded alert processing, while in anotherembodiment usable for transmission and reception on the common controlchannel—out of band.

FIG. 5E is an illustration of an exemplary Advanced Backhaul Services(ABS) compliant signal including an in-band and inline signature signaldeployed within multiple channels. In this embodiment, an example of anABS compliant system utilizing multiple channels for transmission andreception is depicted.

BW_(Signal) represents the entire bandwidth, or equivalent number ofoccupied minimum channels BW_(CH) _(—) _(Min) in use by a specific ABScompliant system, in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the modulationsymbol rate of the user information signal 5E-10,30,50 will beproportionally faster (by the ratio of BW_Signal/BW_(CH) _(—) _(Min))than that of the alerts (5E-20A-D,5E40A-D). This is because theindividual alert signals (5E-20A-D,5E40A-D) in this embodiment are sentin a manner consistent with those sent for an individual channel asdepicted in FIG. 5D, as alerts 5D-20,40, and each will occupy anindividual bandwidth BW_(CH) _(—) _(Min). In the current embodiment,however, the modulated symbols for the information payload signal5E-10,30, 50 occupy the entire BW_(Signal) and have a proportionallyshortened symbol period in a single-carrier modulation scheme or aproportionally increased number of carriers in a multi-carriermodulation scheme. Other embodiments may utilize individual informationcarrier signals of the same modulation symbol rate as the alerts, andform a multicarrier signal as an alternative, so as to provide aplurality of the signals depicting in FIG. 5D, but in a multiple carrierarrangement of FIG. 5E. In yet other embodiments, a combination ofmulticarrier information signals and individual information signals ofvarying bandwidths may be utilized. In one embodiment, despite one ormore arrangements of signal information bandwidths within BW_(Signal)the bandwidth of the alert signals will be the same or similar as thatdepicted in FIG. 5E. In other embodiments, there may be a set ofpossible alert signal bandwidths.

FIG. 5F is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of AdvancedBackhaul Services (ABS) signature signals of various structures.Referring to row A, an alert signal 5F-10 is of length L^(ALERT). In theexample embodiment of row B, a single signal 5F-20 is depicted of lengthL^(SIG). In this embodiment, L^(SIG) is equal to L^(ALERT). In theembodiment of row B, the alert signal 5F-20 includes two signature codesequences, one modulated on the in-phase channel (I) and anothermodulated on the quadrature phase channel (Q) of a QPSK modulator, as isknown by one skilled in the art. Such an arrangement allows for the twosequences to be respectively individually modulated by signatureinformation bits S(0), and S(1). The present embodiment can support anumber of different modulations including, for example, coherent BPSK asdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the I code sequence and the Q codesequence are not the same, and allow for detection utilizing individualcorrelators as will be discussed. For example, when S(0) is equal toS(1), the resulting information bit is interpreted as a “0”. On theother hand, when the correlated values of the are opposite sign (forexample, when S(0) results in a positive correlation value, and S(1)results in a negative correlation value) the resulting information bitis interpreted as a “1”. Many other arrangements and variations may beused as well, consistent with coherent modulation techniques. In oneembodiment, the in-phase information bit S(0) may be transmitted as a 1,and treated as a pilot signal or symbol, whereas the quadratureinformation bit S(1) may be interpreted as the payload informationsignal. Other arrangements are possible as well, allowing for othermodulations such as QPSK, and m-ary QAM modulation. The signature codesequences I and Q may be any number of types of codes as known in theindustry and as discussed. In one embodiment, the I and Q codes are twocodes orthogonal to each other, such as may be produced utilizing amaximal length code (m-sequence or m-code), and modulated by twodifferent Walsh codes as in known. In yet further embodiments,alternative orthogonal codes may be used such as so called CAZAC codes,or Zadoff-Chu codes. In yet another alternative embodiment, the I and Qcodes may be multiple codes, each having a plurality of Walsh codes,where one set for I and Q includes a code division multiplexed pilotreference signal with pre-determined values of ones (for example) forthe polarity of both the I and the Q Walsh codes of the pilot channel,and the third and fourth codes are the codes associated with S(i) andS(i+1) for the alert sequence. Of course, the I and Q Walsh codes may bere-used for each of the two I and Q Walsh codes, but with a third Walshcode applied to one of the I/Q sets so as to produce a third and fourthorthogonal code. In the current embodiment, all four Walsh, or otherorthogonal codes may then be “covered” or scrambled on a chip by chipbasis with an alert code, such as m-sequence, gold code, a portion ofthese, or the like.

Alternatives not utilizing orthogonal codes are possible as well, forinstance using two different m-sequences for each of the I code and theQ code where the length of each m-sequence is equal to L^(SIG) andincludes the signature sequence(s). Alternative codes which may beutilized include Barker codes, gold codes, and others and known in theart.

Referring now to the embodiment of row C, two sets of signaturesequences 5F-30A, 5F-30B are sent per one alert time period

$\left( {L^{SIG} = {\frac{1}{2}*L^{ALERT}}} \right).$

Each signature information bit S(n), where n=0 to 3, may be utilized soas to produce a number of different modulation formats including bothcoherent modulations, and differentially encoded modulations. Someexample modulations utilized in various embodiments include DBPSK andDQPSK using differential encoding; and BPSK, QPSK, QAM utilizing a phasereference such as a pilot bit, pilot symbol or pilot channel). Variouscodes and modulation structures may be utilized as described in theforegoing.

Row D of FIG. 5F depicts a similar arrangement as row C, except where Nsets of signature code sequences (5F-40A to 5F-40N) are depictedallowing for 2*N information symbols S to be utilized. The currentembodiment includes code sequences of length

$L^{SIG} = {\frac{1}{2}*{L^{ALERT}.}}$

FIG. 5G is an illustration of an exemplary Advanced Backhaul Services(ABS) compliant signal including an in-band and embedded signaturesignal. The previous figures FIG. 5D, FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F, depicted“inline” alerts as discussed. As an alternative, in band embedded alertsmay be utilized. Similar embedded signaling was first introduced inco-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 13/763,530, the entirety of whichis incorporated herein by reference. The term embedded is used in thecurrent context to describe an alert signal 5G-25, 5G-35 which is nottime multiplexed with the payload information bearing signal 5G-10,5G-30 but is present at the same time as the payload signals duringspecific periods of time. In this embodiment, the transmission 5G-25during a T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) period includes a plurality of individualalert signals 5G-25A through 5G-25H, each of length L^(ALERT) such thattransmission 5G-25 is referred to as a composite embedded alert signal.Likewise, the composite embedded alert signal 5G-35 includes a pluralityof individual alert signals 5G-35A through 5G-35H. The repetition of theidentical individual alert signals making up each composite embeddedalert signal is performed so as to compensate for a reduced transmissionpower level P_(Emb) ^(ALERT) relative to the transmission power levelfor the payload information signal 5G-10,5G-30. The time period in whichalerts may be received, as explained previously, is denoted T_(VALID)^(ALERT) and encompasses the entire composite alert sequence 5G-25, andrespectively 5G-35 in a separate valid period. In the currentembodiment, the information carried within 5G-25 and 5G-35 is different.Within a given composite embedded alert signal, the individual alertsignals are the same and each individual alert signal includes one ormore modulated information bits (such as S(0) through S(2N−1) of FIG.5F.) Thus, the individual information bits within a given compositealert signal remain the same so as to allow further processing such ascoherent combination of the individual alerts 5G-25-A through 5G-25Hwithin composite alert signal 5G-25. Such coherent combinationprocessing results in compensation for the reduction of the transmittedpower level of the alerts relative to the payload information bearingsignal by the amount P_(Emb) ^(ALERT). In one embodiment, N embeddedalert signatures may be transmitted at P_(MAX)−10*log 10(N), or in yetother embodiments, a power level based upon such as calculation. Furtherin such an embodiment, the N embedded signatures may be transmittedsequentially such that coherent combination is possible over T_(VALID)^(Alert).

In order to prevent the combination of individual alerts of differentcomposite alert signals 5G-25 and 5G-35, a gap of time between theT_(VALID) ^(ALERT) periods is defined so as to ensure only individualalert signals of the same composite alert signal are combined together.The spacing between successive T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) periods are defined byT_(Min) ^(ALERT) and T_(Max) ^(ALERT) as previously discussed, anddepicted within FIG. 5G. For both the inline and the embeddedembodiments of the alert signals, the use of a window of time T_(VALID)^(ALERT) for the transmission of alert signals and/or composite alertsignals provides for some flexibility, in some embodiments, as to theexact transmission start time of the alert transmissions allowing forthe alignment of the transmissions so as to be convenient with othersignaling such as a frame timing, start of frame, end of frame,super-frame, or other structure of the payload carrying ABS signalitself. Alternatively such flexibility may allow for the avoidance oftransmitting alert signals at a time when it is not advantageous to theABS payload signal, such as when particularly time sensitive informationis being transmitted, when noise sensitive signals are being transmittedsuch as channel estimation reference signal(s), or other phasereferences, or to avoid the disruption of the payload signal framing,segmentation, or other grouping of the information signals. As a result,in one embodiment, valid alert transmission T_(ALERT) ^(VALID) periodsmust be:

-   -   i. End prior to T_(Max) ^(Alert) from the beginning of the        previous alert transmission.    -   ii. Begin after T_(min) ^(Alert), from the beginning of the        previous alert transmission.    -   iii. where T_(Max) ^(Alert)=T_(Min) ^(Alert)+T_(VALID) ^(Alert)

In embodiments of an ABS system utilizing embedded signatures, theembedded alert signals will act as noise to the user payload bearingsignal (5G-10,5G-30). In some embodiments, the alerts have a code lengthk providing a “processing gain” resulting from a correlation in areceiver of 10*log 10(k), as previously discussed. If k is sufficientlylarge, the alert signal(s) may be transmitted at a relative power levelreduction P_(Emb) ^(ALERT) such that the interference resulting form theembedded signal is manageable with no further processing. For example,if the modulation for the ABS payload information signal requires 25 dBof signal to noise and interference

$\left( \frac{S}{N + I} \right)$

to be demodulated with a reasonable error rate, an interference level 10to 20 dB below this level (I_(Margin)) would be appropriate. Note thatwithin this discussion the term SNR may be understood to includeinterference as well, and the interference aspect may not be explicitlymentioned in every instance. As a result of the desired SNR for thedemodulation of the ABS information payload signal, within thisembodiment, the power of the alerts would be set to a value below thepayload information signal by P_(Emb) ^(ALERT)=25 dB+I_(Margin). Thisrelationship assumes that the “chip rate” of the alerts, is comparableto the symbol rate (or sample rate) of the ABS information signal withinthe relevant channel bandwidth. In contrast to the SNR considerationsfor the payload information bearing ABS signal, the received alertsignals must also be detected with a sufficient SNR, which is anopposing motivation. In general, for a high probability of detection ofthe signatures, any metric utilized to perform detection should have asignal to noise ratio allowing for an acceptably high probability ofdetection and an acceptably low probability of false detection. Oneapproach to achieving a high probability of detection is to transmit thealerts signals at a higher level, thus impacting the SNR of theinformation-bearing signal. However, the relative transmission power ofthe alert signals in the current embodiment is set by P_(Emb)^(ALERT)=25 dB+I_(Margin).

A discussion of the signal to noise ratios associated with theprobability of detection and false detection may be found in CDMA:Principles of Spread Spectrum Communications, by Andrew J. Viterbi(Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., ISBN: 0-201-63374-1) pages 48 to 52 andelsewhere. In some embodiments, the resulting signal used to determinedetection of the embedded composite alert signals will be the result ofthe correlation of the individual alerts, and then the combination ofthe individual alerts into a signal detection signal, which will be usedfor a detection hypothesis, against a metric. Just as the alertsequences act as noise to the demodulation and successful detection ofthe information symbols of the ABS information signal, the informationsignal will act as noise to the successful detection and demodulation ofalert signals. Therefore, the processing gain (e.g. the length of thealert signature k) must be sufficiently long, in some embodiments, so asto provide an alert detection SNR that allows for an acceptableprobability of detection and a sufficiently low probability of falsealarm, associated with the transmission of the alert signatures P_(Emb)^(ALERT) dB below the information payload signal.

In one embodiment, a detection hypothesis for alert signals is basedupon a ratio of the correlated to uncorrelated energy of the alertsequences. Such a test has the added benefit of reducing falsedetections in the presence of very strong uncorrelated signal levels incontrast to a test based upon correlated energy exceeding a threshold.An example of one such test is based upon the following hypothesis:

Alert detection Det(h), if

$\begin{matrix}{{\frac{1}{N_{MaxAlerts}}*{\sum\limits_{n = 0}^{n = N_{MaxAlerts}}\frac{P_{DET}^{AlertCorr}\left( {h - n} \right)}{P_{DET}^{AlertUncorr}\left( {h - n} \right)}}} > {{TH}_{DET}^{ALERT}.}} & {{{Eq}.\mspace{11mu} 5}\text{-}1}\end{matrix}$

where,

-   -   Receivers must integrate for N_(MaxAlerts), where N_(MaxAlerts)        is equal to the maximum number of alerts that are possible        within the time window T_(VALID) ^(ALERT), and for each h.    -   h is the alert code sequence(s) start time under the current        hypothesis being tested.

The above test allows for the detection of either inline or embeddedalerts with a certain probability P_(Detect) ^(Alert) of detection, anda certain probability of false detection P_(False) _(—) _(Detect)^(Alert). Such a process requires performing the above test over allpossible start times of the alert signal within T_(VALID) ^(ALERT).

While the forgoing discussion includes embodiments for embedded alerts,which balance the transmitted alert signal power with interference tothe ABS information signal, alternative embodiments allowing for ahigher transmission power of the alerts may be utilized which providefor both a higher alert transmission power, and maintaining the SNR ofthe ABS information payload signal at the intended receiver(s), throughthe use of interference cancellation at the intended receivers. Despitesuch an alternative, the detection hypothesis test of Eq. 5-1 may beutilized with interference cancellation at the receiver as well.

Interference cancellation in this context provides for subtracting aknown undesired interfering signal from a total received signal toresult in a remaining signal that has an improved SNR. The use ofembedded alerts is one such situation allowing for the use ofinterference cancellation at a receiver attempting to receive the ABSinformation payload signal because the signature(s) (the exact codes) ofthe alerts are known a priori to the reception of the signal as havingbeen defined as part of the overall system, or communicated as part ofan overhead message of some sort between the transmitter and thereceiver. Further, the power level relationship and likely the phaserelationship between the information signals and the alert signals maybe known as well in some embodiments. In general, each “unknownparameter” such as amplitude, phase, information signal, code sequence,etc., are estimated to allow the generation of an estimated interferingsignal to allow for the actual interfering signal to be cancelledutilizing a subtraction of the estimated interfering signals from thetotal signal where the total signal contains the actual interferingsignal (or signals). The more parameters that are known before hand(such as code sequence, amplitude, phase, and timing) the fewerparameters require estimation, thus reducing the complexity andopportunity for error in an implementation at a receiver. Suchprocessing (an interference canceller) may be implemented in someembodiments after down conversation, digitization, and spatialprocessing, but prior to demodulation of an individual stream. Forexample referring back to FIG. 5A, an alert signature signalcancellation processor may be implemented, in one embodiment, within theSignature Link Processor 500. Utilizing an interference cancellingSignature Link Processor embodiment would allow for an increasedperformance of the detection of alert signals as the alert signals maybe transmitted at a level relative to the ABS information signal whichwould not allow sufficient SNR for the demodulation of the ABS signalswithout interference cancellation in specific embodiments. Further, suchan arrangement in embodiments, may allow for an enhanced securitybetween a transmitter and receiver of the same link, providing for knownparameters to be shared for use in the interference cancellation“parameter estimation” process. In such an arrangement, one feature ofenhanced security comes from the fact that the shared parameters may bemodified occasionally, or continuously with such knowledge only beingshared between the transmitter and receivers of a trusted link(s), whichother receivers would require full estimation, and which may provechallenging in specific embodiments. Further, the use of such parametersby a receiver may be used, in specific embodiments, as a form ofauthenticity check to confirm the continual identity of the transmittingstation.

Embodiments of structures for receiving and transmitting alertsignatures, and signals were, in part, described associated with FIGS.5A, 5B, and 5C. Further details, and embodiments of functions associatedwith the Signature Control Channel Detector/Synchronizer 570C and thesignature Control Channel Digital Demodulator 560C of FIG. 5C will nowbe described. Additionally, embodiments capable of detecting anddemodulating either inline or embedded signatures within a singlereceiver structure are also described. Alternative embodiments requiringa dedicated receiver for one or both the inline and the embedded alertsignals are contemplated as well.

In some embodiments where a device must be able to detect both an inlineand an embedded signature signal using a single receiver structure, itis contemplated that the chip rates of the inline and the embedded areto be the same, and only the power level versus repetition number bedifferent. In related embodiments, the detected alert power ideallywould result in the same or a substantially similar level, independentof the alerts being embedded or inline. Such embodiments may allow fordetermining information relating to the received level of the ABSinformation payload signal based upon the detected alert signal level.Such information, in specific embodiments allow for an assessment of thepotential for interference with or from the transmitting ABS station asdiscussed previously.

FIG. 5H is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a SlidingCorrelator (CS). The depicted embodiment of the sliding correlator 5H-10is implemented within a finite impulse response filter (FIR) 5H-20,whose correlated output is effectively the channel impulse response ofthe wireless propagation channel between a transmitted signature and thesliding correlator's associated receive symbol stream from IBR ChannelMUX 328A of FIG. 5A or associated receive chain output from IBR RF 332Aof FIG. 5A. The sliding correlator 5H-10 additionally outputs noise as aresult of correlation with “uncorrelated” inputs such as signal from theABS information payload signals (5D-10, 5D-30, 5D,30 5E-10, 5E-30,5E-50, 5G-10, 5G-30), and uncorrelated interference from othertransmitters, as well as from receiver front end thermal noise sourcesand the like. This input to the sliding correlator may be, in oneembodiment, the DRx-kl of FIG. 5C, and the sliding correlator is withinone or more of blocks 560C, and 570C of FIG. 5C. In the currentembodiment, FIR 5H-20 is a complex FIR, receiving complex input, and FIRfilter coefficients from Code Register/Input 5H-30. To the extent thatthe alert signature code(s) are real valued, the code provided by 5H-30may be real valued as well. For complex values codes such as Zadoff-Chucodes, the code register 5H-30 provides the complex valued code to theFIR filter 5H-30. In one embodiment, a complex code provided by coderegister 5H-30 includes one Walsh code chosen from a set of orthogonalWalsh codes for the real portion of the code input to the FIR 5H-20, andanother Walsh code, different from the first Walsh code but from thesame set of Walsh Codes as the imaginary input to the complex FIR filter5H-20. In another embodiment, two different Barker codes of the samelength are provided to the real and imaginary code inputs. In anotherembodiment, two different m-sequences of the same length, or portions ofa longer code of the same length are provided to the real and imaginarycode inputs. In one embodiment, the output of the sliding correlator5H-10 as described above will provide the complex impulse response ofthe correlated signal transmitted through a wireless channel to thereceiver as modified by the instant multiplexing settings of IBR ChannelMUX 328A of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5I is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a ComplexSliding Correlator Block (CSCB). In one embodiment, two slidingcorrelators 5H-10A and 5H-10B are used with a single complex valuedinput, but with different codes including a pilot channel based upon ain-phase and quadrature set of Walsh codes (for example, W0 and W1), anda data channel having two other Walsh codes (for example, W2 and W3),wherein the set of Walsh codes is chip by chip covered by a gold code toform Sequence Set j (SSj). Two of the codes within SSj, denoted as S1and S2 (for Pilot I and Q, and respectively including W0 and W1) areprovided to SC 5H-10A, and the the other two codes, denoted as S3 and S4are provided to SC 5H-10B (for the data channel). The complex output ofthe two sliding correlators (SCs) are provided as respective outputs, aswell as respectively squaring them (utilizing blocks 5I-20 and 5I-30) todetermine the magnitude squared of each, which are then summed togetherat 5I-40 for use in the detection hypothesis of Eq. 5-1 (as Maĝ2 oralternatively as Mag via SQRT—square root—block 5I-50). The Maĝ2produced by block 5I-30 provides a value proportional to the power term“P” required by EQ. 5-1. Compensation for the proportionality may bemade by adjusting the TH_(DET) ^(ALERT) value appropriately tocompensate for any impedance value of the Maĝ2 measurement, relative toa value required for an exact power measurement. In alternativeembodiments, for instance, where the S(0) provides the phase referenceand S(1) provides the data values (as described associated with FIG. 5FRow B for example) the code sequence set (SS(j)) is composed of only twocodes, one for each of the two sliding correlators. The slidingcorrelators, in this embodiment are correlating an incoming complexsignal with a single real code (each of which includes two real FIRfilters for performing correlations in this embodiment.)

FIG. 5J is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a SlidingDetector (SD). Sig(n) are time samples of the complex (I and Q) valuesindexed by the variable n of receive signal. In one or more embodiments,Sig(n) are DRx-kl of FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, where kl may vary from 1 toKL. In some embodiments Sliding Detector 5J-10 includes functionalityincluded within signature Control Channel Modem 510B-kl. In otherembodiments, Sliding Detector 5J-10 is within signature Control ChannelModem 510B-kl.

Sliding Detector 5J-10 includes CSCB 5I-10. The sequence set (SSj) isprovided by the Sliding Detector Control input, which providesadditional control inputs in various embodiments. The Mag and Maĝ2outputs of 5I-10 are provided, in one embodiment, as outputs of SlidingDetector (SD) 5J-10, and as outputs of the CSCB 5I-10. Other embodimentsof a Sliding Detector 5J-10 and/or CSCB 5I-10 may have only one orneither of such outputs, potentially depending upon the embodiment ofdetector/demodulator, such as 5K-00 of FIG. 5K, 5L-00 of FIG. 5L, orSignature Control Channel Modem 510B-1 of FIG. 5B. Other outputs of theCSCB 5I-10 of Sliding Detector 5J-10 include the complex outputXC_Si_A(n), which is a function of the discrete time index n, and iscoupled to conjugate block 5J-40, via in-phase and quadrature (real andimaginary) lines to a complex numerical representation (in the currentembodiment). Such a conversion (5J-20) is often ignored in general blockdiagram representations, and may be considered inherent in someembodiments, or integrated with another functional block.

Additionally, in the current embodiment, output XC_Sj_B(n) is providedto complex multiplier 5J-50. In certain embodiments, the conjugatedsignal from 5J-40 represents the phase (mathematically conjugated) ofthe received signal for a pilot CDMA channel derived from a correlationwith the CSCB using one or more orthogonal codes (as described above inone embodiment), and providing for a demodulation of a pilot codechannel. Further, the signal resulting from 5J-30 may represent a dataCDMA channel resulting from the CSCB 5I-10 utilizing one or more otherorthogonal CDMA codes, potentially including one or more “cover” PNscrambling codes (again as described in the foregoing on one or moreembodiments). In such an embodiment, using a CDMA pilot code channel andCDMA data code channel, the de-spread and de-multiplexed informationsymbol SMj(n) is provided as an output of the Sliding Detector 5J-10.

In another embodiment, where a coherent pilot signal is provided to thein-phase portion of the transmit signal (as S(0) of FIG. 5F of Row B forexample), and a modulated (BPSK) symbol is provided to the quadraturesignal during modulation (as S(1) of FIG. 5F of Row B for example) onlythe imaginary portion of the de-spread, and phase re-rotated signal isprovided to the output of the Sliding Detector 5J-10, for furtherprocessing. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 5J, the demodulated andphase de-rotated signal is provided to the Sign function 5J-70 prior tooutput as Dj(n), which may be considered a “slicer” providing for anyvalue greater than or equal to zero as a positive 1 digital output, andany value less then zero as a digital zero output. The configuration ofthe specific codes and associated processing is configured by theSliding Detector Control input.

FIG. 5K is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of an inbandinline signature detector, wherein the forgoing embodiments may bedemodulated and detected. The set of signals provided by the SlidingDetector is designated as Vj(n), where n is a discrete time index forthe resulting “convolution” of the FIR filter codes in CodeRegister/Input 5H-30, with the input signal 5K-02, and the associatedprocessing of the various embodiments discussed. In one embodiment, theVj(n)=Dj(n), SMj(n), Magj(n), Maĝ2j(n). Other embodiments may provide asubset, or a superset of the signals included as Vj(n). V(j) is thenpassed as an input to the Detection Logic block 5K-30, where theMagj(n), and/or Maĝ2j(n) is utilized (or even locally derived in someembodiments) so as to perform the detection of the signal, andidentification of the signal or signal multipath components for use withdemodulation. For example, one approach to detection would be todetermine the first signals to exceed a threshold. Another exampleembodiment uses the maximum or “peak” signal above a threshold. A yetfurther embodiment, with more optimal performance, provides for thecoherent integration (simple real values summed, and imaginary valuessummed respectively of SMj(n), or Dj(n) for embodiments where the Sign5J-70 is not performed on the signal) of all values having a magnitudeor Maĝ2 above a threshold. Such an embodiment may be considered anoptimized form of a so-called “rake receiver”, or matched channelfilter. Such an arrangement is advantageous as all the values of SMj(n)which are above a threshold have been de-rotated and aligned in phaseallowing for coherent integration. There are a number of approaches thatare contemplated for detection within the processing of 5K-30 DetectionLogic. In one embodiment, all the values of Vj(n) are stored, andinformation useful for determining the threshold for the current and/orfuture values of Vj(n) (or V_((j+1))(n) for example) are utilized aloneor by interacting with Detector Controller 5K-40. In other embodiments,only a subset of values of Vj(n) are stored and/or values derived fromVj(n) associated with statistics for setting the detection thresholds,and the resulting detection values. Additionally, the demodulation“slicing” of an information symbol resulting from processing of SMj(n)for example may be performed to result in demodulated bit(s) associatedwith M-ary QAM modulation (including BPSK, QPSK, and higher ordermodulation symbols).

In one embodiment, the slicing of the detected modulation symbol is notperformed within 5K-30 but performed in a subsequent block, such asDetector Controller 5K-40 or elsewhere in the IBR.

Coherent demodulation has been described in forgoing embodiments, but invarious embodiments, Detector Controller 5K-40 and/or Detection Logic5K-30 may perform differential demodulation as well, such as DQPSK,DBPSK. For example, the Detection Logic 5K-30 may store symbols fordifferential processing. In yet additional embodiments, a single codemay be used rather than two in some embodiments of differentialmodulations.

FIG. 5L is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of an in-banddetector Signature detector useful for either inline or embedded alertsignals using repeated codes as described associated with FIG. 5G andrelated embodiments. The blocks of FIG. 5L are capable of operating inan analogous manner to the blocks of FIG. 5K for inline signatureoperation. For embedded alert signal operation with the repeatedsignature codes (such as depicted in FIG. 5G) the replicated blocks ofFIG. 5K will operate in a similar way in some embodiments. However, forembedded and repeated signatures, a coherent integration of each phasede-rotated symbol will be performed utilizing Vj(n) summed, via summer5L-10, with the contents of Memory 5L-20. Upon initiation of the receivedetection process, Detector Controller 5L-40, in one embodiment, willclear the contents of Memory 5L-20 to all zeros. Alternatively, Summer5L-10 may be controlled so as to not include the output VIntOut(n) 5L-22during a first integration pass effectively adding zeros to the incomingVj(n) values and outputting VSum(n) to be stored in respective memorylocations of Memory 5L-20 indexed by n, and under the address control ofDetector Controller 5L-40. In one embodiment, the Memory 5L-20 is ofsufficient size so as to store all values from the repetition of thesignature, within directly using the summer 5L-10 during real timeprocessing. In alternative embodiments, the phase de-rotated, “matchedfilter outputs” are stored in Memory 5L-20, and iteratively summed withthe previously de-rotated matched filter outputs so as to performcoherent integration on a repeated code by code time scale (as describedassociated with FIG. 5G and for example using repeated codes 5G-25-Athrough 5G-25-H), thereby repeating through the addresses in the memoryonce for each signature repetition as aligned to the beginning of eachcorresponding output of the Sliding Detector 5J-10. In an alternativeembodiment, phase de-rotation by complex multiplier 5J-50 may bebypassed and the CSCB 5I-10 XC_Si_A, and B may be coherently integratedwithin the Memory 5L-20, and phase de-rotation performed afterintegration, by detection logic 5L-30 for example. Additionally, in thevarious embodiments, Detection Logic 5L-30 would perform the Mag or Maĝ2function period to the detection processing and threshold determinationprocessing associated with the discussion relating to embodiments ofDetection Logic 5K-30, and should be considered applicable to thecurrent embodiment. Such processing, in some embodiments, includes thechannel matched filter coherent integration processing associated withthe forgoing discussions. The threshold processing in specificembodiments may be performed utilizing equation Eq. 5-1. Thedetermination of the uncorrelated values may be achieved by summingvalues below a specific threshold from a peak or maximum value, or maybe based upon correlating with a code that is known not to be utilized.In some embodiments, the uncorrelated values may be based upon theoutput of the sliding correlator or related processing for times inwhich the reception of alerts is determined to be unlikely, for examplebetween T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) periods. In yet further embodiments,statistical methods to determine periods without alerts and periodsincluding alerts so as to set a threshold for detection.

The timing of the addressing may be determined and may be adjusted bymonitoring detections performed by the Detection Logic 5L-30 incombination with Detection Controller 5L-40, thereby allowing for thesynchronization and tracking of the TT_(VALID) ^(ALERT) periods and theappropriate aligning of the associated times so as to allow for coherentintegration. Further, an intermediate threshold, in some embodiments,may be performed so as to allow for a determination of the currentnumber of alert signature repetitions to include within the coherentintegration, thereby individually detecting each repetition, or a subsetof repetitions. Some embodiments may include a more robust informationfield allowing for the explicit signaling of the number of repeatedsignatures to be determined form the signal itself. In at least oneembodiment, the number of repetitions is known a priori, and in yetother embodiments, the number of repetitions and other informationrelated to the modulation format or timing of transmission is determinedfrom the central registry (4C-60 and/or 4C-70 of FIG. 4C) or anotherdata base (such as Private Database 440, IBMS Private Server 424, IBMSGlobal Server 428, Public Database 452, or Proprietary Database 448 ofFIG. 4G).

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an exemplary Advanced Backhaul Serviceslayered control link communication protocol stack. The figure is dividedinto two vertical columns, denoted by Control Plane and User Plane. TheUser Plane is for use by the IBR and/or the IBMS, in variousembodiments, for the delivery of messages to peer entities (or theirequivalents). One example of the use of the User Plane is interfacing tothe Registry via other ABS devices. In another example, generic IPpackets are passed over the User Plane Protocol. The User Plane's ABSprotocol stack of FIG. 6A begins with the ABS Packet Data ConvergenceProtocol (ABS PDCP). In some embodiments, the operation of the ControlPlane and the User Plan is generally similar from the PDCP layer andbelow with a few exceptions. The ABS PDCP will be discussed below.

The Control Plane is responsible for ABS relegated operation involvingthe procedures and associated messaging required to be compliant withthe ABS Rules as previously discussed, and will be discussed in specificexamples associated with subsequent figures.

ABS-ME (management entity) is the highest portion of the ABS ControlPlane, and is responsible for topology management, processes management,configuration, and interfacing to other ABS peers. The ABS ME interfacesto various “host” radio entities (IBR/IMBS entities in someembodiments), including interfaces to IBR-RLC, IBR-RLP, and even IBR-MACfor timing in some embodiments.

The ABS ME further interfaces to other ABS stack entities as well toperform required functions in some embodiments. In some embodiments theABS ME interfaces to other layers directly, while in other embodimentsassociated sub-layers are called upon to interface to the required ABSstack sub-layer. For example the ABS-ME configures/controls MAC to scanfor interference, in one embodiment directly, and in other embodimentsutilizing the ABS RRC. In the non-limiting subsequent examplediscussion, it will be assumed that each layer interfaces with thelayers directly above or below the layer under discussion. It should benoted that other embodiments may interface in various other ways,including directly between non adjacent layers.

Returning now to the discussion of the ABS ME, example functionsperformed include: configures/controls MAC to broadcast signature,interfaces to IBR IBMS Agent, interfaces to ABS-RRC to send standardizedmessages to other ABS-RRC entities, requests ABS specific proceduresfrom the ABS-RRC, such as so-called—“progressive interference” or“blooming”. These procedures will be discussed in more detail associatedwith subsequent figures.

The ABS Radio Resource Control (RRC) interfaces with the ABS-ME and theABS PDCP to perform services including control/peer messaging, statemanagement, ABS message composition, and interfaces with other ABS-RRCs.

The ABS Packet Data Control Protocol (PDCP) interfaces with the ABS RRCto: arbitrate user plane and control plane priority for access to theABS-RLC, perform “RLC “Framing” by adding a ABS-RLC header, “whitens thepayload” (no 6 sequential is in a row for example), and Ciphering(encryption). The ABS-PDCP Message header addition includes asynchronization field (for example “111111”) and a logical channel indexof 2 bits. The logical channel indication includes (as one exampleembodiment):

00—EOP (End of Packet)

01—ABS RRC (Control Plane)

10—ABS UP (User Plane)

11—reserved

The ABS Radio Link Protocol (ABS-RLP) interfaces to the ABS-PDCP and theABS-MAC to provide services to the ABS_PDCP and higher layers. Functionsperformed by the ABS-RLP include:

Fragmentation into N bit PDUs, where in one embodiment N=1 for inbandand N>1 for out-of-band fragmentation. Other embodiments may provide forinband signaling utilizing N>1 through the use of higher ordermodulation, and/or multiple alert sequences such as embodiments asdescribed associated with FIG. 5F rows C and D.

Forward error correction (FEC)

Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)

The ABS Media Access Control (ABS-MAC) interfaces with the ABS-RLP andABS-PHY layers to provide services to the higher layers. The ABS MAC, inspecific embodiments, performs the following example functions:

-   -   Transmission/reception timing    -   Out of band access to the media (listen before talk for out of        band)    -   In-band signaling access to the media

The ABS physical layer (ABS-PHY) interfaces with the ABS MAC to perform(in one embodiment) the following example functions:

-   -   Transmission/reception    -   Modulation/Demodulation    -   Interfacing with one or more of channels/formats:        -   Out of band: Common Control Channel        -   In-band inline        -   In-band embedded

FIG. 6B is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor. In one embodiment ofthe control link processor, the ABS-MAC is within processor 6B-50, whichinterfaces to various other entities including the IBR RRC, IBR RLC, andIBR MAC to derive timing and coordinate activities. In one embodiment,the ABS-RLP is contained with a separate processor, and an interface toand from the RLP is provided. In alternative embodiments, several or allthe stack functional entities are within Processor 6B-50. In anexemplary embodiment wherein at least the ABS-MAC is contained withinthe Processor, additional functional entities are interfaced, includinga Random Number Generator 6B-20, Clock 6B-30, and one or more timerswithin Timer module 6B-40. The Clock and Timer functions, in variousembodiments, are used to determine transmission timing such as T_(VALID)^(ALERT), and the Alert transmission periods for example, as well asbeing utilized for other functions. The Random Number Generator 6B-20 isused in one embodiment for random transmission time determinationassociated with the common control channel transmission timingprocedure. The ABS-MAC within Processor 6B-50 further interfaces to andfrom one or more Physical Layer entities/MODEMs including in-bandembedded, in-band-inline, and out of band, common control channel.

FIG. 6C is a flow diagram of the MAC receive process for an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention. During the MAC receive processing, theprocess begins, in the current embodiment, with Step 6C-10 waiting forthe PHY to detect a first alert signature.

Once the first detection has occurred, the timing variables are set inInitialize step 6C-20. In some embodiments, one or more of the variablesmay be set during initial system configuration as well. In the currentembodiment, these variables include in the current embodiment, T_(Max)^(Alert), T_(Actual) ^(Alert), T_(Min) ^(Alert), T_(VALID) ^(Alert).Next, the MAC link processor waits for T_(Min) ^(Alert), in Step 6C-30,and then begins waiting for the next PHY indication of a subsequentvalid detection in Step 6C-40. If no symbol is detected within T_(VALID)^(Alert), (step 6C-50) then processing proceeds to step 6C-70 where thehigher layer RLP is notified and reset. Such an occurrence may happen issignal is lost, of if the end of the current RLP frame is received.Alternatively, if an alert is detected for the specified peer MAC (asdetermined in the current embodiment by a property of the alert code set(SSj) such as a secondary orthogonal code for example), the appropriatetimer values are adjusted (in Block 6C-60) and processing returns tostep 6C-30 (the wait for T_(Min) ^(Alert) step). In the currentembodiment, various alerts may be received, and for each alert signaturewhich is distinguishable from those from other ABS-MACs, a separateABS-MAC receive process may be instantiated, along with individual timervalues.

FIG. 6D is a flow diagram of the MAC transmit process for a AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention. The MAC transmit process begins in step6D-10 where a MAC service data unit (SDU) is received. The SDU may be asingle bit wherein the modulation is BPSK and the segmentation size isn=1. Alternatively, the segmentation size may be 2 bits, and themodulation may be QPSK. As is known by one or ordinary skill in the art,higher order modulations such as m-ary QAM, and discussed above may beused as well. Once a specific SDU is received by the MAC, permission totransmit may be requested for inline transmissions associated with step6D-20, so as to coordinate with the transmission of the IBR symbols intime. In step 6D-30 if the SDU indicates that a first SDU indication ispresent, a clear channel assessment (CCA) will be performed in someembodiments (for example when transmitting on the common control channelin one embodiment, though not limited to such an embodiments). In step6D-50, the timers are initialized, and processing proceeds to 6D-60.Alternatively if there is not first SDU indication, in step 6D-30, step6D-40 is performed wherein the process waits for T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) tobe come valid, for example by comparing a timer or a clock value indifferent embodiments to the valid time frame T_(VALID) ^(ALERT).

Processing then proceeds to step 6D-60 wherein the MAC waits for anindication from the RRC (in control of the fine scale timing in thecurrent embodiment) to indicate authorization to transmit, if suchauthorization is required (associated with specific embodiments). Next,decision step 6D-70 directs processing based upon T_(VALID) ^(ALERT)being valid. If expiration has occurred, an indication to the RLP isperformed wherein a failure is signaled in step 6D-80. Alternatively ifT_(VALID) ^(ALERT) remains valid, processing proceeds to step 6D-90wherein the MAC PDU is transmitted. The format of the MAC PDU in someembodiments is a simple pass through to the PHY. In other embodiments aMAC header, or other information may be added to the MAC SDU prior tothe MAC PDU being provided to the PHY. Finally, successful transmissionis indicated to the RLP, and the process is exited in step 6D-100.

FIG. 6E is an illustration of the radio link protocol (RLP) messageformat of Advanced Backhaul Services control link control link accordingto one embodiment of the invention. As previously described in specificembodiments, the RLP receives a service data unit (SDU) from the ABSPacket Data Control Protocol (PDCP), including fields 6E-30 (LogicalChannel) at least, and in some instances 6E-45 (the length of theremaining PDCP payload), 6E-50 (the destination address to which thepacket is to be sent), 6E-60 (a variable length RRC message), and 6E-70(a variable length user plane message from higher layers of an IBR forexample. Other embodiments may also include the Sending MAC address6E-20. In other embodiments, the MAC address may be added within the RLPlayer or another layer.

The RLP then next adds the Sync field 6E-10, the CRC field 6E-40, andperforms FEC processing adding tail bits 6E-80. The result is passed tothe MAC as a RLP PDU/MAC SDU.

FIG. 7A is a flow diagram of the RRC transmit process for a AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention. When the RRC has information to transmit toa peer, or to broadcast alerts in general, the process begins in step7A-10 wherein the ABS RRC receives a command from the Management Entity(ME) to transmit periodic alerts for example. In step 7A-20, the RRCperforms configuration of the various layers so as to transmit periodicalerts such as, in one example, setting the timer values, modulationformats, number of alert code sequences per alert signal transmission,RLP segmentation bits (n), and other associated parameters. In step7A-30, the RRC composes a message (PDU) for the PDCP layer and requeststhe transmission of an alert (7A-40). Next in the current exemplaryembodiment, the RRC waits for T_(MIN) ^(ALERT) (in Step 7A-50), and thenreturns to step 7A-40 to transmit another alert.

FIG. 7B is a flow diagram of the RRC scan process for a AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, the MErequests the RRC perform a scan function (step 7B-10). The RRC thenconfigures the appropriate layers using pre-determined informationstored within the ABS system, or determined form received informationform a registry for example in one embodiment. Other embodiments mayreceive information form the IBR or IBMS, or another source (step7B-20). The specific parameters to be configured vary in differentembodiments, but may include those described associated with step 7A-20and elsewhere. In step 7B-30, the RRC requests a scan from the ABS MACfor a specific duration TSCAN, and on a list of channels defined byCH_(SCAN). Finally, the RRC receives a report for each scan from theMAC, and once complete, reports the result to the ME in step 7B-40.

FIG. 7C is a flow diagram of the RRC Bloom process for an AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention. The ABS RRC, in one embodiment, receives arequest form the ME requesting the “Bloom” process (step 7C-10). Someembodiments the process includes entering the Bloom process registerwith the registry that it is entering the Bloom process. Otherembodiments include the requirement, or option for the stationperforming the Bloom process to notify one or more stations which mayreceive interfering transmission of the state of entering the Bloomprocess, and optionally update such stations of that process.

Embodiments of the Bloom process include incrementally “progressiveinterference”, so as to initially have a lower impact in terms ofinterference to any existing ABS devices which happen to be with thepropagation range of a new ABS device being brought up for operation.For example, a Tier 2 device being brought up in the vicinity of a Tier1 Incumbent device with settings in the registry allowing for otherdevices to operate in the region but with limitations so as to notinterfere with the T1-I device require, in one embodiment, a Bloomprocess. In fact, in some embodiments, any device having a lower tier,or same tier and having a lower priority or right to operate in thevicinity of other devices either as reported by a registry, or detecteddirectly in some cases use a Bloom process. Such a process allows forthe higher tier, or priority device (one having been operating in thearea longer but of the same tier) an opportunity to detect interferingtransmissions from a device performing a Bloom process. Such a processallows the level of interference to be detectable, but not necessarilycatastrophic to the link of the existing devices. Step 7C-20 providesfor the RRC to configure the Bloom process, defining in one embodiment avariable “Step” with a value of 0, initially. Additionally the otherlayers of the ABS stack are configured as well. Next, in step 7C-30, theRRC initiates the ABS Bloom process utilizing parameters TXPower(n), andDutyCycle(n), where n is the step in the progressive Bloom process.After each step in the process, as the process returns to step 7C-30,the setting will be retained for a period of time referred to as Dwell.The process stays in 7C-40 until the Dwell process for Step n hasexpired. In one embodiment, the transmit power will be the full Tx powerexpected for operation of the link, and the duty cycle as determined byDutyCycle(n) for each step n of the Bloom process, will be varied inincreasing percentages of a pre-determined repetition time for the Dwelltime, which may be varies as well on a per Bloom step process. In otherembodiments, both the transmission power and the duty cycle will bevaried progressively. In yet further embodiments, only the power will bevaried, for a given duty cycle, or in any linear, or non-linearcombination. In one embodiment of the Bloom process, only the basicalert signature is sent with no identifying information. In anotherembodiment, the alert signature is sent with a code unique, or anotherproperty unique to station in the Bloom process. In yet furtherembodiments, the Bloom process includes the identity of the transmittingstation in the transmissions, and potentially additional information.

During the dwell process, prior to the expiration of the Dwell timer, orcounter, the ABS station monitors communications channels (in variousembodiments one or more of the common control channel, the inbandcontrol channel, or another out of band link) in step 7C-45 for any“direct messages” from another station notifying the Blooming ABSstation of detected interference. Additionally, in step 7C-50 theBlooming ABS station checks the registry periodically for notificationof detected interference due to the Bloom process. If either stepreceives an indication of detected interference, the process proceeds tostep 7C-80 and the process (and the transmissions) are terminated in oneembodiment. Note that in some embodiments, the process may be begunagain, with adjusted transmission parameters so as to minimizeinterference to the station that detected the Bloom interference. Insome embodiments, the indication of interference from another ABSstation will include information usable to aid the Blooming station toavoid interfering with the detecting station with higher priority(either higher tier, or more seniority for example). Examples of thetype of information usable to set interfere avoiding transmissionsettings were discussed previously in this disclosure associated withFIGS. 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, and 4G, and elsewhere. Additionally similarprocessing was discussed in co-pending application U.S. Ser. No.13/371,346, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.Note that based upon initial scans, prior to beginning the Bloomprocess, such interference avoiding techniques may be utilized basedupon channel modeling and interference prediction techniques prior tobeginning the transmission process in step 7C-30, or configured in step7C-20. Such a step may also take input from any direct messages receivedrelated to detected interference or similar information receiving in theregistry (4C-60/4C-70 for example) as a result of previous attempts atthe Bloom process.

Returning now to step 7C-40, once the Dwell time has expired, and nointerference indication has been detected, the Bloom process Step isincremented in 7C-60, and processing proceeds to step 7C-70. If the Stepis the Final Step, the process is terminated in 7C-80, otherwise theprocess continues with new transmission settings in step 7C-30.

Further details of the “bring up” of an ABS station, and the associatedmanagement of the Bloom process will be discussed associated with FIG.8C.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of exemplary ABS registry entries accordingto one embodiment of the invention. Parameters associated with entriesin the various embodiments of the registry 4C-60 are discussed in manylocations in this disclose.

The table includes example registry entries for several different tiersof stations operating under the proposed ABS rules. The first columndefines possible entries for one aspect of one embodiment of theregistry. The FCC ID is typical of devices registered with the FCC, andis also required as noted with the white spaces rules.

The MAC Address is a 48-bit IEEE assigned address which can be used toidentify a station from transmissions in one embodiment.

Lat, and Long provide the geographic latitude and longitude of thelocation of the ABS transmitter station.

In addition to Lat/Long, the Address may be entered as well and may bemandatory for a fixed station in some embodiments.

The Tier entry defines the class of service the ABS station is operatingunder as define in forgoing sections.

Tx Power defines the transmitter power of the ABS station. In someembodiments, it is the maximum allowable transmit power, while otherembodiments include the actual transmitter power, or transmitter powerthe station is capable of transmitting.

Antenna Type indicates the type of antenna. For Tier 1 devices, this ismore likely a fixed dish type antenna similar to entries for FCC Part101 licenses. The Azimuth (Deg) and Elevation (m) relate to the antennadirectivity and center pointing direction of a fixed antenna. Furtherexamples include, but are not limited to azimuth beamwidth, elevationbeamwidth (in degrees, not m), polarization, antenna height, azimuthaland elevation bearings at center of the pattern, etc. For devices ofother tiers, or potentially for Tier 1 incumbent devices is some cases,the antenna type may further include whether the antenna is an antennaarray, and any associated array attributes such as the array geometry(number of elements, and their relative geometric position), the numberof receiver and/or transmitter elements, array capabilities such asreceiver and transmitter null steering capacities, and the like.

Equipment ID is the FCC certification ID of the equipment being used andhaving been certified under ABS rules.

“Using Common Control Channel” is an entry for defining which commoncontrol channel, if any, a particular station is utilizing.

M-ACTUAL, M-TOT, M-REG, and Registered Channels(1 . . . M-REG) asdiscussed previously relate to the allowable and in use channels foroperation under the ABS rules.

Duplexing Mode defines time division, frequency division, or so calledzero division duplexing methods (or other such methods as may becomeapplicable).

Licensed C/I (dB) is an entry of an embodiment in which the fees paid,and/or the license received (Tier 2 in one embodiment) defines a C/I forwhich the station receives interference protection assuming it is thehighest tier, and has the seniority in that location. Further detailwill be provided relating to “cooperative” interference mitigation andthe Bloom process associated with the ME in FIG. 8C.

The SIP Address entry is an example address in some tiered serviceradios by which a station may be contacted with a so-called directmessage. For example, in a Blooming process when notification that theBlooming station is causing interference to another protected ABSdevice, a directed SIP message is sent to the Blooming station in oneembodiment.

The P-MAX (dBm), P-NOM (dBm), P-Allow (dBm) are associated with thecooperative interference process for non-Tier 1 devices, and in oneexemplary embodiment, are discussed in more detail elsewhere.

The Date Occupied (or optionally also Time Occupied) and Date Licensedfields are related to determining seniority between ABS stations of thesame tier. The Geographic Region field defines the specific region inwhich a device is operating. Geographic regions were discussed in moredetail relating to FIG. 4D.

FIG. 8B is a flow diagram of the Common Control Channel basic broadcastalert process for an Advanced Backhaul Services control link protocolprocessor according to one embodiment of the invention. In step 8B-10,the ABS ME requests the ABS RRC broadcast a basic Alert. In step 8B-20the ABS RRC requests the ABS PDCP to transmit on logical channel (LC)00, indicating a “basic alert”, which may also, in some embodiment beinterpreted as an “end of packet”. In this embodiment, it is transmittedon common control channel 33. In other embodiments, the transmissionsare transmitted in band as well, or in place of the common controlchannel transmissions. The process waits in step 8B-30 for the alertperiod to expire (T_(MIN) ^(ALERT) in some embodiments). Once the periodhas expired, processing returns to step 8B0-20, and continues.

FIG. 8C is a flow diagram of the Management Entity (ME) Tier 2 channelselection and link initialization process for a Advanced BackhaulServices control link protocol processor according to one embodiment ofthe invention. FIG. 8D is a flow diagram of the Management Entity (ME)Tier 3 channel selection and link initialization process for a AdvancedBackhaul Services control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention. FIG. 8D is, in some embodiments, a verysimilar process to that of FIG. 8C and can be assumed to be the same,with exceptions as noted in the figure.

Referring now to Step 8C-10 the ME of the ABS device, checks theregistry for any T1 (Tier 1) or T2 (Tier 2) devices in the localproximity for which in must consider interference and previousdiscussed. Of course for a Tier 3 device, other T3 devices are alsochecked in the registry as well (see step 8D-10). In step 8C-20 the MEdetermines channels not in T1 exclusion zones or currently used as T2Channels. For T3 devices, other T3 devices must be considered as well.In step 8C-30 if no unused channels are available, step 8C-40 isperformed, otherwise processing proceeds to step 8C-140. In step 8C-140,when clear channels are determined to be available, the ME configuresthe radio entities (layers), and registers the current configuration ofthe ABS station with the registry. The ME then begins broadcastingalerts, and notifies (in some embodiments) the IBR IBMS, which beginstransmission to peer point to point radios or point to multipoint radiosfor payload traffic. The ME additionally begins to monitor the Registryand/or control channels for interference messages or any directmessages.

If no “clear” channels are available, step 8C-40 is performed and the MEdetermines from the Registry, which channels are candidates for use, soas to avoid or minimize interference to other T2 stations in the currentembodiment. In step 8C-50, the ME requests ABS RRC to perform a scan ofcandidate channels for operation so as to assess the interferencepotential of using these channels. Processing then proceeds to step8C-60, where the ME determines the best candidate channels for operationbased upon scan results and registry information. Such a determinationwill, in some embodiments, involve propagation modeling and interferencemitigation techniques as discussed. The Bloom process is then begun instep 8C-70. ME begins “Bloom Process” and monitors the Registry andin-band and out-of-band channels for direct messages. The decision as towhether direct messages are received or not is performed in step 8C-90.If no direct messages are received, the registry is checked forinterference notifications in step 8C-130. If no interferencenotification is received, the processing proceeds to step 8C-140 aspreviously discussed. Returning to step 8C-90, if a direct message isreceived, step 8C-100 is performed where the ME will stop transmissionand perform an interference mitigation process in one embodiment. Suchan interference mitigation process, in some embodiments, includesresponding to the “interfered with” station via direct message tonegotiate cooperative interference mitigation interaction andmeasurements. Such mitigation may also include adjustments and “trial”test transmissions with iterative feedback from the partner“interference mitigation” station. If the interference is resolvable(8C-110) the processing proceeds to 8C-80 where the radio is configuredwith the determined radio parameters to avoid interference, andoperation returns to 8C-90.

If the interference is not resolvable in step 8C-110, processingproceeds to step 8C-120 and transmission is halted and alternativechannels are selected, and the process is restarted at step 8C-60.

The “Bloom process” as discussed allows for progressive interferencewithout initially being catastrophic to the station being interfered. Inone embodiment, the process is a time division process wherein less than100% transmit duty cycle is employed. For example, the Blooming ABSstation may start at 10% and proceed to 20% and so on in the currentembodiment. This is less damaging, and should not “shut off” the victimstation. In one embodiment, if at any point the Blooming stationreceives a direct message indicating unacceptable interference, then thelower tier or lower priority Blooming ABS station has to cease anddesist if requested to do so. The stations performing the Bloom processmust be certified, as do the stations indicating they are beinginterfered to allow for the transmission of messages ordering anotherstation to vacate certain channels.

In one embodiment, using the Registry, the registry control andarbitration processes between stations serves to order interferingstations to vacate certain channels. The registry time stampsregistration so as to document the specific chronology of the ABSstations in a geographic area and can determine “priority” for same tierdevices so as to arbitrate disputes and enforce rules. A station maysend an “interference notification” message when interfered with, whichis valid only if that station has been in the location earlier than theblooming stations. To ensure this process is legitimate, the Registry,as mentioned, can act as a policy arbitrator and enforcer based on thetime of registration of the individual stations, or as a general processfollowing procedural rules and steps. In some embodiments, there may bea requirement to accommodate others reasonably and work with them viathe “cooperative interference mitigation process”. Such a requirementmay be conditional based on the tiers of the stations, or the density ofthe stations within the area. For example, if one station canaccommodate another station without affecting the performance of theirlink, they may be required to do so, or report that they cannot makeadjustments. In some embodiments, the Registry may provide a benefit tothat station in making accommodations for other stations in termsallowing more capability or an increase in the priority registration,for example.

In one embodiment the station notifying another station of harmfulinterference has the obligation to inform the interfering station of thelevel of interference and potentially other helpful information so as toaid in the reduction of interference and to verify that the interferingstation is the correct one or that the message is not fraudulent, forexample. Such an indication may be considered a “hint” as to how much ofa change needs to be made, or if resolution is possible at all. Suchinformation may include the frequencies the interference is occurringon, and the level of the interference as two examples. Other embodimentsmay include the channel state information or angle of arrival of theinterfering signal.

In another embodiment, where an interfering station is being evictedfrom the currently Blooming or operating frequencies, the station mustbe given a interference mitigation time to resolve the interference interms of adjustment of RF parameters as discussed. In one embodiment, a“notice message” or interference notification includes the specificoverlapping channels, and by the specific amount of power. Themitigation may be considered a “cure time” from the first notice. Upon asecond notice the station, in one embodiment, turns off transmissionsimmediately, unless a cooperative interference mitigation process isdeemed to be ongoing.

An example of such a cooperative interference mitigation processfollows:

1) When an ABS station detects another is interfering, it may invoke theeviction process.

2) The “interfering” station has 1 second to “cure” and must be informedby how much the interference must be reduced.

3) If direct messaging is implemented, one set of rules apply, if a“mail box” approach using the Registry is performed a second set ofrules are utilized, which are less interactive and cooperative (in thecurrent embodiment). Such a process is designed to “align interests”.

4) If there is a direct message, and notice, but not response from theinterfering station, they are required to immediately terminatetransmissions (which may be based upon the registry mail boxnotification process).

5) If there is notice to an interfering station via a direct message,and the interfering station responds, then that station will get anopportunity to fix the interference by adjusting RF parameters. Forexample, if a station wants to have the opportunity to stay and attemptto adapt, it must send a response to the registry in one embodiment, ordirectly to the notifying station (in the current embodiment).

6) If a notified ABS station estimates that it can cure the interferenceproblem, and makes adjustment but does not respond to the notifyingstation, then if such adjustment has resolved the issue, no terminationoccurs as the secondary notice will not occur.

7) However, if a notified station does not respond, and attempts to fixthe issue unsuccessfully, and receives a secondary interferencenotification it must cease transmission immediately in the currentembodiment.

8) If a station does respond to the first direct interferencenotification, that station will receive multiple opportunities toresolve the interference cooperatively.

In some embodiments, the registry may need be to monitored and documentthe process so as to allow for review at a later time, allowing for anappeal process with a supervisory authority such as the FCC. If therules are not followed, the registry may indicate directives to thestations up to and including revoking licenses, or adjusting “occupied”priority status.

In one embodiment, when a dedicated “Bloom” signal is detected (forexample with a unique signature and no user payload), the detecting ABSstation may look in the registry to determine which other stations arein the area and in the Bloom process so as to either determine identityor confirm identity. Such an embodiment requires that the “state” of astation be updated within the Registry.

In some embodiments, the “interfered with” ABS station judges aninterference threshold based upon one or more of: BER impact, C/Iimpact, the power density of the interferer.

In one embodiment, licenses are paid for by station owners based uponthe licensed “Carrier to Interference ratio” (C/I) that is desired orrequired at that location. Having licensed a specific C/I, and wheninterference impinges upon them damaging the C/I beyond the level oftheir license, there are several embodiments operable to resolve theproblem. First, and most simply, the forgoing notification proceduresmay be followed. Secondly, in another related embodiment, a registeredstation gets a fixed amount of protection, and based upon theinterference level being received, the licensed ABS station is allowedto increase its transmitter power by the amount of licensed C/Idegradation that are currently receiving. For example, if you purchase alicense, for 40 dB C/I, you are guaranteed 40 dBi or the maximum yourequipment can do, up to the permissible transmission power limit in theband. In such an embodiment, a licensed station only transmits as muchpower as required for the target receiver to achieve the maximum C/I itcan operate at, above the noise floor plus a nominal margin amount insome embodiments. Notification may only be provided, in the currentembodiment, once a licensed station reaches a “conditional maximum”. Theconditional maximum is the lower of the amount that that you areinterfering with someone else, or all you can transmit.

In related embodiments, the C/I protection affects the license cost. Forexample, it might cost $1K for a 20 dB T2 license, or $2K for 25 dB T2protection license, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the allowable transmit power follows the equation:

P _(Allow)=Min(P _(MAX) ,P _(INTFERENCE) ,P _(R,C/I))  EQ. 8-1

For example, if interference encroaches within the C/I you havepurchased, the licensed station may increase its power to regain thelicensed C/I. If the licensed ABS station has increased its power up toeither P_(MAX) or P_(INTERFERENCE), then the offending (interfering)station may be notified to cease, or to follow the interferencemitigation process described previously in various embodiments.

In one embodiment, if the owner of a device wants 45 dB C/I, then theyneed to pay more money to get cleaner spectrum. Associated with suchrules they may be an occupancy requirement to retain the rights, as wellas a requirement that no license may exceed the certified capability ofC/I performance of the equipment being utilized for a given license. Inone embodiment, one cannot purchase more protection than one's equipmentcan actually use. In another embodiment, the “notification” message mustinclude, and the equipment generating the message must be able tomeasure the interference level at a C/I level and accuracy to which thenotification indicates.

In a related embodiment, any device owner may purchase what every C/Ilevel they want, but if the device cannot measure a specific C/I withsufficient accuracy, then it is not within the rules to notify aninterferer of a level of C/I and as a result such a C/I is notenforceable by that equipment. Such equipment must, in specificembodiments, be certified that it can perform the specific measurements.

In one embodiment, the interference notification message is limited to afixed interference back off step, such as 5 dB. If such a back off bythe offending station does not cure the interference problem, anothermessage may be sent.

FIG. 9A is an exemplary embodiment of a Self-Organizing Backhaul RadioNetwork and system including a plurality of Self-Organizing BackhaulRadio (SOBR) enabled IBR links and associated network elements.

FIG. 9A is an exemplary embodiment of a self-organizing backhaul radionetwork and system including a plurality of SOBR-enabled IBR links andassociated network elements. The following discussion will often, butnot exclusively, use the terms “primary” link to indicate the IBR linkbetween an aggregation end IBR (AE-IBR) and a remote end IBR (RE-IBR).The term SCC link will refer to the signature control channel link inembodiments related to the SOBR enabled radios, and may also existbetween an AE-IBR and a RE-IBR in specific embodiments. One goal of someembodiments of the SOBR-enabled IBR radios is to allow transmit beamforming between SOBR-enabled IBR radios without damaging other friendlyradios within the propagation distance of the transmitted signals.

In specific embodiments, in which two SOBR enabled IBRs intercommunicateusing a primary link, a so-called “in-band” and “embedded” signaturecontrol channel may be included related to some ABS embodiments in theforegoing sections (see the discussion associated with FIG. 5G as onenon-limiting example). Further, aspects disclosed elsewhere in theforegoing, associated with the use of signature control channels ingeneral, by that specific term or another similar term, should beconsidered as non-limiting and exemplary embodiments for use withcurrently disclosed exemplary embodiments and associated variations ancombinations. It should be noted that to the extent a signature controlchannel is discussed as being embedded within a specific primary linksymbol stream, as will be discussed associated with FIG. 5A, FIG. 5G,and will be discussed further associated with FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG.11A-D, and elsewhere, subsequent processing during the transmission andpropagation processes will apply equally to both the primary stream, andthe SCC stream. Therefore, as one example, any transmit beam formingbeing applied to a specific primary link stream will also effect anassociated embedded SCC stream in the same manner. Similarly, radiotransmission and radio propagation effects, and will also affect theprimary and associated embedded SCC streams equally as well in specificembodiments. It should therefore be understood that in such embodiments,the detection of an embedded SCC stream will provided informationdirectly applicable to the associated primary link stream, such as forexample the radio frequency (RF) propagation path loss between thetransmitting SOBR IBR and the receiving SOBR IBR, where such IBRs areengaged in a primary link or not.

For example a plurality of SOBR-enabled backhaul links are depicted inFIG. 9A, and operated by several different wireless operators. Thedesignations “C1”, “C2” and “C3” in the various callouts within FIG. 9Aare intended to indicate specific wireless operators associated with theIBRs. For example, the backhaul link within the area designated by9A-C1-1 indicates “Carrier” or operator “C1” is in control of thisenclosed network elements. Likewise the area designated by 9A-C1-2further designates the same operator “C1” is in control of a seconddesignated area including the enclosed network elements 9A-C1-RE1, and9A-C1-AE1. In contrast, the area designated by 9A-C2, and 9A-C3 specifyenclosed network elements under the control of a second and a thirdwireless operator respectively.

Referring to again to 9A-C1-2, Remote IBR (RE-IBR) 9A-C1-RE1 has abackhaul link (including a “primary” link and SCC link) to aggregationend (AE) IBR 9A-C1-AE1. Within the same wireless propagation range, asecond SOBR-enabled backhaul link is present between RE-IBR 9A-C2-RE1and AE-IBR 9A-C2-AE1, but under the control of a different wirelessoperator (“C2”). Each of the two backhaul links in specific embodimentsmay be operated by different wireless operators.

It is desirable when two operator's networks are in proximity to eachother that they coordinate their operations so as to not interfere witheach other allowing for optimized performance of each of the twobackhaul links. As discussed above, and associated with embodiments ofthe advanced backhaul services, a primary backhaul link between anAE-IBR and a RE-IBR may have an embedded in-band signature controlchannel (SCC). For SOBR-compliant systems having compliant in-bandembedded signature control channels of predetermined formats, thecarrier operating one link within 9A-C1-2 and the carrier operating thesecond backhaul link within 9A-C2 may allow their equipment to utilizethe signature control channels so as to coordinate interference betweentheir respective links.

Generally speaking, prior art wireless network elements (includingbackhaul radios) within separate wireless operator's networks will notintercommunicate. However, allowing for appropriate intercommunicationmay provide distinct advantages in terms of avoiding mutualinterference. One potential problem some of the specific information ismay be desirable to share between different wireless operators, may alsobe sensitive in nature disclosing confidential performance information,data rates or network capacities, robustness levels, operating parameterinformation, link budgets, performance margins, received interferenceinformation, and the like. This same information may in specificembodiments, be the most helpful to share between operators tocooperatively accommodate each other's networks. Therefore, in someembodiments, the sharing of such information between the respectivebackhaul devices of different operators, but with the ability torestrict the dissemination of the same information beyond the equipmentitself would be of significant benefit. In specific embodiments, theSOBR enabled radios are capable of making self-organizing adjustments soas to make their respective links performance mutually optimized. Forexample, avoiding mutual interference as one backhaul link adapts in thepresent of another backhaul link of different operators.

As one example, if SOBR equipment were provided by a single vendor, andprovided to different operators by that vendor, the SOBR equipment inspecific embodiments is able to share the SOBR operating informationbetween their devices using a SCC link so as to allow coordinatedactivities. In the single vendor example embodiment, the vendor canrestrict the sharing of the potentially sensitive information collectedby a particular operators SOBR enabled equipment from SOBR devices ofother operators but allow for the individual SOBR radios to benefit fromthe use of the shared information. In making use of the sharedinformation relating to the wireless performance and environment of eachof the respective operators equipment and associated primary links,mutual optimization of the respective links may be achieved, and benefitmay be gained.

Further, if multiple vendors utilized a common SOBR approach,potentially including knowing predetermined parameters, and each vendorsequipment were to perform in a similar way so as to utilize an SCC linkfor such sharing link and environment information, a network of suchdevices could see substantial benefit. In one embodiment, backhauldevices from multiple vendors are certified by a common organization orcompany to perform such a predictable, interoperable, and common SOBRoperating procedures and specification, including in variousembodiments: information sharing, information restriction and filteringapproaches, and other techniques disclosed herein.

Therefore it is useful for the SOBR-enabled IBRs within embodimentsdepicted in FIG. 9A to communicate with each other so as to optimizetheir individual performance and coordinate interference betweendifferent links. Such coordination may further allow for currentlyoperating paired SOBR enabled IBRS to make changes effecting theirtransmitted signals which may cause a change in interference levels toother SOBR enabled devices. As one example a change in the transmit beamforming parameters from one SOBR device may be “tried” initially usingSCC stream not associated with currently operating primary link streams,prior to making a change in the transmitted primary link streams,allowing for testing of the new settings to determine if theinterference to other SOBR devices of the performance of the link ingeneral is acceptable in embodiments. Similar approaches, as describedassociated with the “Blooming process” of the advanced backhaul servicesdescribed herein may be performed for initial “bring-up” of a newSOBR-enabled IBR, or to identify the specific AE-IBR to which aparticular RE-IBR is authorized to establish a primary link.

In some embodiments of SOBR-enabled backhaul networks, the communicationbetween the individual operator's IBRs and the IBRs of other operatorsmay be limited to the detection of each other's transmissions. Thisdetection may additionally be limited to the detection of known formatsof the signature control channels embedded within their respectiveprimary links. In other embodiments, the signature control channels maybe utilized to intercommunicate between the SOBR IBRs of the differentwireless operator's networks, allowing for messaging to be performedbetween the IBRs. In some embodiments, utilizing such messaginginformation may be shared between the IBRs of the different wirelessoperators which may be sensitive in nature, as discussed above; forexample the available data rates supported by their respective primarylinks, the wireless channels and channel state information of theirrespective links, the number of degrees of freedom that their respectivelinks may include and other aspects. Additionally, aspects related anddiscussed associated with the advanced backhaul services of foregoingembodiments may be communicated. In such embodiments, where informationis shared between SOBR IBRs of different wireless operators or otheroperators, the information may be held within the SOBR IBR and notdistributed or available to higher layers of the IBR, such as the IBMS.In some embodiments, some information may be available to higher layers,while other portions of the shared information may be restricted fromthe higher layers. Such policy may be enforced by the equipment vendorproviding the SOBR IBR to the wireless operators.

As discussed previously and in some embodiments, a SOBR IBR will becertified according to specific rules for information collection andinformation privacy allowing for wireless operators to use theSOBR-enabled IBRs for their primary links but have limited visibility tothe underlying exchange of information over the signature controlchannels of the SOBR IBR equipment. In such embodiments, the operatorsmay receive the benefit of coordinated optimization of their individualprimary links, despite not having access to the complete sharedinformation. Such optimization, in some embodiments, allows for theavoidance of interference from other backhaul links both within theirown networks and the backhaul links of other wireless operator'snetworks.

Specific embodiments including the data filtering associated with theSOBR communications, as well as other aspects of SOBR signature controlchannel communications, will be discussed associated with FIG. 9C.

Returning to FIG. 9A, various network elements are present, including aTP SOBRS (third party self-organizing backhaul server) designated by9A-10. The TP SOBRS is connected through, in one embodiment, a publicinternet (9A-20), while in other embodiments a private internet may beused. In one embodiment, the third party SOBRS 9A-10, may be used tocoordinate communications between SOBR-enabled IBRs of the same ordifferent wireless operators, as will be discussed further.

In some embodiments, a Gateway depicted as GW within rectangle 9A-C3 isutilized to interface between AE-IBR (9A-C3-AE1) and third party SOBRserver 9A-10. In other embodiments, third party SOBR server (9A-10)utilizes the Gateway within network 9A-C3 to communicate with theprivate SOBRS within network 9A-C3. Such intercommunication betweenoperators may be achieved with a SOBRS or utilizing the SCCcapabilities.

As discussed, FIG. 9A depicts an example of multiple wireless operators(or carrier) networks, their network elements and exemplary interactionsbetween backhaul networks. Each rectangle within FIG. 9A is intended toillustrate a regional network provided by a carrier or operator. In oneembodiment of FIG. 9A, three different wireless carriers operateregional networks. As an example, Rectangle 9A-C1-1 depicts anoperator's network who is utilizing SOBR-enabled backhaul links tobackhaul cellular-base station signals. Such cellular-base stationsignals are backhauled from RE-IBR 9A-C1-RE3 to AE-IBR 9A-C1-AE3.Further, RE-IBR 9A-C1-RE3 is interfaced to an access node (AN), aneNodeB, a NodeB, and a BTS. As it's known in the art, a BTS represents acellular-base station, which may be a GSM cellular-base station or aCDMA cellular-base station. A NodeB represents a W-CDMA cellular-basestation, as defined by the well-known 3GPP standards organization. AneNodeB represents an LTE cellular-base station, also defined by the 3GPPstandards organization. An Access Node (AN) may represent a number ofdifferent radio access network technologies including IEEE 802.16 orother technologies, for example, IEEE 802.11.

RE-IBR 9A-C1-RE3 has a primary link for backhaul with AE-IBR 9A-C1-AE3,which is in communication with a radio network controller (RNC). The RNCis in communication with a Serving GPRS Service Node (SGSN) and aGateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN). Further, AE-IBR 9A-C1-AE3 is incommunication with other network elements, known in the art, within 2Gand 3G networks, including an MSC HLR/VLR.

AE-IBR 9A-C1-AE3 may also be in communication, as depicted via a privatecore network, with LTE core network elements, such as a Serving Gateway(S-GW), a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and a HSS as examples.Various other network elements attached to the private core network mayinclude a P-GW for connecting to packet data networks, including theinternet or other private internets; an MGW for connecting to circuitswitch voice services; a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function), anIMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) network, which may interface via anotherP-GW; a Call Session Control Function (CSCF) as a portion of an IMSnetwork; and a private SOBRS.

Additionally within the network depicted by 9A-C1-1, a second primarylink for backhaul between AE-IBR 9A-C1-AE3 and RE IBR 9A-C1-RE4, whichmay be connected to other network elements including cellular-basestations or other devices. In such a topology, AE-IBR 9A-C1-AE3 isacting in a Point to Multipoint (PMP) mode, as depicted. A similar PMParrangement within the regional network of Carrier 3 (C3), consists ofAE-IBR 9A-C3-1, as an Aggregation End IBR, having primary back haullinks with two Remote End IBRs (RE-IBR) 9A-C3-RE1, and RE-IBR 9A-C3-RE2.

In contrast to the PMP links just described, a Point to Point (P2P) modeprimary link is present within area 9A-C1-1, between RE-IBR 9A-C1-RE2and AE-IBR 9A-C1-AE2. All three primary backhaul links within this area,for this exemplary embodiment, are SOBR-enabled IBR links with includedSignature Control Channels (SCC) that are SOBR compliant. Further, allthree primary backhaul links are within radio propagation distance ofeach other, and are operated by the same network operator (as indicatedby being within the same rectangle (9A-C1-1) of FIG. 9A, and includingthe designation “C1” within their respective call-outs).

The Signature Control Channels of the primary links may be ofsignificant benefit, allowing for the detection and optimization of theprimary links even among the same operator, based upon the detection ofthe Signature Control Channels. The SCCs associated with each primarylink may be utilized for optimizing performance within the sameoperator's network.

The regional network within rectangle 9A-C1-2, in this example, isoperated by the same network operator as that operating 9A-C1-1. The tworegional networks are interconnected by an Alternative Access Vendor(AAV) 9A-30, which may be a Metro-Ethernet service provider (for examplesee www.metroethernetforum.org). Such networks may operate at layer twoover Ethernet or may operate utilizing other technologies such as MPLS.

While all of the links within the same operator's network may be underthe control and manageable by that operator by direct connections tospecific network elements, the use of the Signature Control Channelsassociated with the primary links may be used to optimize theperformance of the links. The SCCs, in specific embodiments, furtherallow intercommunication between the nodes or to facilitate theidentification and addressing of a particular node by wired connectionsbetween the network elements (the respective SOBR IBR) in variousembodiments.

As previously mentioned, the two regional networks depicted by 9A-C1-2and 9A-C2 are operated by different wireless operators, whose depictedbackhaul links are in relatively close proximity to each other. In someembodiments, these backhaul links and associated operators do not have amethod of intercommunicating by wired means and therefore must rely oncoordinating their primary links by utilizing the Signature ControlChannels associated with each of their SOBR-enabled IBRs. In otherembodiments, an agreement may be in place so as to allow wiredcoordination in addition to the detection of Signature Control Channeltransmissions. In yet other embodiments, a combination of SignatureControl Channel communications as well as wired communications via aprivate core network or public internet, a Gateway, third party SOBRS,or over an Internet Packet eXchange (IPX) such as 9A-40. In oneembodiment, the carrier operating regional network 9A-C1-1 and thecarrier operating regional network 9A-C3 are different operators andhave an agreement to share information and to coordinate interferencemitigation utilizing communications enabled by IPX 9A-40. Suchcommunications may be via direct communication between SOBR IBRs or byintercommunication between private SOBRS, such as those depicted within9A-C3 and 9A-C1-1.

Additionally, in some embodiments, communications coordinating theperformance of individual SOBR primary links may be enabled by so calleddirect messaging, as discussed previously, associated with the AdvancedBackhaul Services in various embodiments. Such direct messaging mayfurther be enabled utilizing a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) over apublic internet such as 9A-20, or an IPX such as 9A-40, and in someembodiments, utilizing an IMS network.

Utilizing a combination of wireless detection of Signature ControlChannels with wired direct messaging, a private SOBRS, and/or direct IBRto IBR communication may allow for the sharing of a greater amount ofinformation more efficiently than passing all of the information overthe Signature Control Channels directly between the SOBR-enabled IBRs.However, it is contemplated embodiments will share information directlyover the Signature Control Channels exclusively in some embodiments.

As discussed above, one goal of the present invention relating toSelf-Optimizing Backhaul Radios (SOBR) is to allow for the provisioningand continual optimization of a primary link. Utilizing multipleSOBR-enabled IBRs, including in some embodiments the use of transmitbeam-forming allows for minimizing damaging interference to other localSOBR-enabled links. In some embodiments those links will be on differentfrequency channels to avoid the interference. In other embodiments, thesame frequency channel will be used and power may be adjusted. While inyet further embodiments, transmit beam forming may be used to avoid theradiation of interference toward specific other SOBR-enabled IBRs, whileoptimizing reception to an IBR associated with a specific primary link.It is further contemplated that any and all interference mitigation andlink optimization techniques discussed elsewhere within the ABSembodiments would be included as options for interference management andlink optimization within SOBR-enabled radios. Advance Backhaul Services,as disclosed previously in specific embodiments, include primary linkscomprised of primary link streams and each primary links stream havingan associated embedded Signature Control Channel stream.

FIG. 9B is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of aSelf-Organizing Backhaul Radio signature control link protocolprocessor.

Referring now to FIG. 9B an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment ofa self-organizing backhaul radio Signature Control Link protocolprocessor is depicted. In one embodiment the blocks of FIG. 9B operateas described associated with FIG. 6B, while in other embodimentsadditional capability is contemplated.

FIG. 9B, in addition to elements present in FIG. 6B, includes a UICC(Universal Integrated Circuit Card) 9B-10, including one or more of asubscriber identity module (SIM), a USIM (Universal Subscriber IdentityModule), or an ISIM (IP Multimedia Services Identity Module). Otherembodiments may include alternative smart card platforms or secureelements as known in the industry.

Such unique identity modules (such as a SIM, USIM or ISIM, etc.) may beused for authentication and authorization, and for registration with oneor more other SOBR-enabled IBRs or other network elements described ordepicted in FIG. 9A.

As discussed, such network elements of FIG. 9A may include a MobilityManagement Entity (MME) and HSS, an MSC (mobile switching center) andHLR/VLR (Home Location Register and Visitor Location Register) and aSGSN/GGSN, a Call Session Control Function (CSCF) or other networkelements for authentication, signal plane communications, provisioningcommunications, and alike. Additionally, a SOBRS (SOBR Server) may beused to register and manage individual SOBR-enabled IBRs.

As one example, authentication methods known in the art and associatedwith the use of SIM card may be used between SOBR servers andSOBR-enabled IBRs. Such approaches may, in some embodiments, includeso-called mutual authentication where the network authenticates thewireless device (a SOBR-enabled IBR in one embodiment) and the deviceauthenticates the network (utilizing an SGSN, MSC, MME, CSCF, or a SOBRSin various embodiments).

Further SIM-based authentication may be used between AE IBRs and RE IBRsenabled with the SOBR protocols and utilize mutual authentication inspecific embodiments. Additionally the use of encryption as known in thestandards, or other encryption techniques, may be used associated withthe SIM cards so as to allow 802.1X security (See EAP-SIM, EAP-AKA,EAP-TLS) or IP-SEC (See RFC 4301 and associated) communications betweenindividual SOBR-enabled IBRs of the same network operator or differentnetwork operators, or to other network elements of various operators.

Such encryption may include IP-SEC but may also include alterativestandards compliant encryption techniques known in the industry as well.In specific embodiments of a Self-Organizing Network, a SOBR-enabled IBRplaced within the network must have the capability, in some embodiments,to identify other IBRs of the same networks to which it is authorized tocommunicate. Further, it is beneficial that an IBR wishing to connectwith other IBRs is able to validate that a target IBR is authentic andnot a fraudulent device attempting to violate the privacy of the data tobe carried on the network or for other nefarious reasons. The use ofprotocols associated with a SIM can address such fraud, authenticity,registration, encryption and other issues in a known way associated withmobile networks. Utilizing SIM cards within a backhaul network that isself-organizing, in some embodiments, may allow for distinct advantages.In one embodiment, where radios which advertise being SOBR compliantmust be certified, the credentials stored within a SIM card may beissued by the certifying entity. In some embodiments, the certifyingentity may be the manufacturer of all SOBR-enabled radio. In otherembodiments there may be multiple vendors and an independentcertification facility or entity, which issues the credentialsassociated with the SIM card. These credentials may be shared withindividual operators or may be private with respect to some data storedwithin the SIM and other data may be provisioned by the operatorsthemselves. In some embodiments the SIM card will further ensure andverify SOBR compliance certification.

The SIM credentials may also be utilized to certify inter-operatorauthentication as well as information encryption as discussed. In someembodiments, the rules associated with information sharing collected bythe individual SOBR compliant IBRs via their Signature Control Channelradios may be managed per rules associated with a certified SOBR deviceadhering to specific requirements. In some embodiments the SIM cardauthenticates the specific hardware and software platform, and confirmsthe SOBR-IBR as certified device adhering to specific filteringrequirements, or other requirements, enforced by an operator agreementor by a specific de-facto standard or other agreements.

Such authentication, in some embodiments, would be able to verify thatan operator to whom a first operator would like to share information isauthenticated and authorized such that the sharing of sensitiveinformation to third parties who are not authorized may be prevented.Such an arrangement allows for, in some embodiments, two levels ofauthentication, including “vendor level” authentication which may bereferred to as SOBR certification and “operator level” authentication.Utilizing disclosed embodiments, it would be possible to use existingIMS/IPX private carrier interchanges (those provided by Syniverse forexample) to exchange information. For example the exchange ofinformation via an IPX (or other network) may include dynamic keyexchange, encryption key revocation lists, cooperative accommodationapproval, alerts to operators, etc.

As with LTE, in some embodiments, it would allow for P2P and PMP two-way(mutual) authentication such allowing for the admission by the operatorof a new radio into the network, and device authenticity verification ofa particular vendor and operator to which a device is attempting to gainaccess. One example of the use of SIM cards is discussed in the thirdgeneration partnership program 31 Series of Standards that define the Cuinterface and other aspects of the use of a SIM card.

Referring now to FIG. 9C, an exemplary illustration of a self-organizingbackhaul radio layer signature control link communication protocol stackis depicted. Some embodiments of the layers of FIG. 9C operate similarlyto those of the Advanced Backhaul Services layered signature controllink stack depicted in FIG. 6A. Notable differences between FIG. 6A andFIG. 9C include the addition of an interface to the SOBR managemententity to the SOBR smart card interface for example based on 3GPP 31Series Cu interface in some embodiments. Additionally, an interfacebetween the SOBR PDCP and the user plane to/from the IBR interfacebridge 308A has been provided to allow for intercommunication with othernetwork entities and SOBR MEs of other IBRs as well as SOBR serverswithout the use of the IBR IBMS.

Further specific functional entities within a SOBR ME will now bedescribed in more detail. For example the SOBR SPEF (SOBR policyenforcement function) is included. The enforcement function is, in someembodiments, utilized as a filter, which prevents information that mustremain isolated from higher layers of the IBR, from being disseminated.It may be considered to be a firewall in some embodiments or a trafficflow template (as described in 3GPP standards) in other embodiments. Insome embodiments the SPEF is a general enforcement function, whichpolices the specific information passing from the SOBR management entityto other entities. In some embodiments, the SPEF has the capability toprevent the transmission of specific information to the IBMS, the IBRRRC, the IBR RLC, or the like. In other embodiments, the SPEF preventsinformation from the foregoing entities, or from within the SOBR MEitself from being transmitted externally to other SOBR MEs. While theenforcement function performs the actual enforcement, the “rulesfunction” (or SPRF—SOBR Policy Rules Function) includes a database, insome embodiments, which stores the specific policies associated withinformation dissemination or other policies that may be implemented.Some policies may be required based upon vendor level certification suchas being SOBR certified while other roles may be dependent uponinter-operator agreements for information sharing or cooperativeaccommodation rules between specific vendors or specific devices,including past history of cooperative actions between devices.

The SOBR SIP-UA is a SIP User Agent for use in generating and receivingSIP protocol messages. Some embodiments of the SIP-UA are for use withinan IMS network or other SIP network for intercommunication with otherSIP agents that may include a SOBR server or other SOBR-enabled IBRs orother entities within the network.

Finally a “SOBR agent” in some embodiments, is a functional entity thatincludes state machines and process control capabilities. For example,in specific embodiments the SOBR Agent stores operating information foruse in cooperative accommodation, and dictates procedures for use inexecuting such processes.

An interface to the SOBR control plane between the SOBR ME to and froman IBR interface bridge 308A allows for the SOBR ME to communicate withother entities. Such entities, in various embodiments may include on ormore of various SOBR servers, an HSS, an MEE, an STSN, a GGSN, MSC, HLR,PCRF, SGW, PGW, and/or CSCF in some embodiments. Any of these entitiesmay communicate via internet protocol and in some embodiments SIPmessaging, radius messaging or other protocols known in the industry.

The filtering function associated with the SPEF (or elsewhere inalternative embodiments) may operate based upon a number of parameterssuch as:

-   -   1) parameters or values set by the transmitting device and an        associated back haul operator (BHO),    -   2) the specific BHO of the other device (for example if it is        “your” IBR-same BHO),    -   3) a third party arbitrating agency, or policy, vendors        manufacturer, licensor, organization, etc.

The following outline provides details related to specific embodimentsincorporating details of “Cooperative Accommodation” (CA) and inspecific embodiments relate to the shared information betweenSOBR-enabled IBRs.

-   -   Backhaul Operator (BHO) may set parameters (including        cooperative accommodation parameters (CA)) for example:        -   i. Performance Requirements (throughput, delay, jitter) of            primary links        -   ii. Configuration and Accommodation Settings:            -   1. Per BHO settings            -   2. Per vendor settings            -   3. Per link settings            -   4. Per link or BHO accommodation “reciprocity” history                settings            -   5. Per link or BHO accommodation “good will” desire                factor            -   6. Criticality Rating (1 to 10 (highest)) of the                importance of the specific BH link            -   7. for use in a “cost function” for a trade.            -   8. Configuration and Performance cost weighting function                -   a. May be based upon the robustness of one or more                    primary links or SCC links                -   b. May be based on excess margin in primary link                    wireless parameters, or                -   c. May be based upon the impact to parameters levels                    directly effecting the performance of the primary                    link or SCC link themselves                -   d. Parameters associated with each or individual                    primary or SCC streams                -   e. Parameters as an example may include link budget,                    noise floor, SNR, C/I, Eb/No, Eb/Io, Es/Io, FER,                    BER, throughput, data rate, jitter, link or stream                    latency, interference level, rank of spatial                    propagation matrix, the number of usable spatial                    streams, path loss, available transmitter power                    level, impact to other networks in interference, and                    the like as known by one skilled in the art,                -   f. Allowable frequency channels of operation,                    prioritized channels of operation,                -   g. Authorized SOBR IBRs (by vendor, by                    certification, by operator) with which interaction                    is allowable                -   h. Authorized SOBR IBRs with which the establishment                    of a primary link is allowable                -   i. Preferred SOBR IBRs including priority for the                    establishment of primary links, or a cost function                    associated with such a priority for use in                    cooperative accommodation procedures.        -   iii. Robustness Requirements            -   1. Margin in parameters for performance requirements            -   2. Existence of alternative configurations/backup                configurations for “fall back”            -   3. The number of fall back alternative configurations            -   4. Potential of primary link impact (transitory or                continual) in making such accommodations    -   Intra-BHO procedures    -   Inter-BHO procedure    -   SIM/SE in the IBRs for vendor/SOBR compliance certification        authentication and inter operator authentication/information        encryption        -   i. Public/private key as one approach        -   ii. Known codes tied to the public key (vendor, version,            operator, etc—in some embodiments)    -   “Alert codes”, vendor/compliance codes, operator codes, used        together—easy detection within a limited set of codes to search,        then more detailed searches—or just use payload for        identification and authenticity check (public/private key and        hash)        -   i. Register information related to a “vendor name” or vendor            ID.        -   ii. A hash of vendor identification information to produce a            value usable for a vendor code and searchable within SCC            channels.    -   URL or IP address to a Vendor or other third party data base to        allow for determination of vendor ID (or IEEE MAC addresses for        example to determine the UID (vendor) and the specific device        (including embodiments discussed associated with ABS examples).

It should further be noted that a portion of the forgoing parameters,attributes and rules may be settable by the back haul operator in someembodiments, while other portions are under the control of a vendor orother entity. In one embodiment, none of the above parameters are settleby the backhaul operator, while in other embodiments all of the aboveparameters are settable. Further, the foregoing attributes are notintended to be an exhaustive list, but only examples.

FIG. 9D is a flow diagram of the Management Entity (ME) channelselection and link initialization process for a Self-Organizing BackhaulRadio signature control link protocol processor according to oneembodiment of the invention. FIG. 9D describes one embodiment of aso-called “bring up” or “boot strap” approach SOBR-enabled IBR. Otherembodiments for bring-up include alternative orders of the steps of FIG.9A.

For example several alternative embodiments include bring up scenarios:

-   -   1) Bootstrap in primary link, then turn on SCC    -   2) Listen for a period of time, then bootstrap primary link    -   3) Boot strap in SCC mode and then bring up the primary link (as        shown in FIG. 9A)

The steps and procedure of FIG. 9A, and associated alternativeembodiments will now be described. In Step 9D-10, the SOBR ME(Management Entity) configures SOBR sub-entities, which may contain orretrieve information to configure SOBR policies, procedures, parameters,and protocol layers.

In step 9D-20, the SOBR Agent interfaces to IBMS or SOBRS (if either ispresent and configured) to update configuration information. Specificembodiments will not perform this step. Further alternative embodimentsmay include the SOBR Agent retrieving configuration information formlocally stored databases, or non-volatile memory as examples.

Next, in step 9D-30 and in specific embodiments, the ME reads the SOBRRules Function (SPRF) and updates the SOBR Policy Enforcement Function(SPEF). In some embodiments, the specific rules may be updated withinthe SPEF based upon the identity or other identifiers associated withdetected non-peered SOBR enabled IBRs. For example, in one exemplaryembodiment, and during continual operation associated with Step 9D-140,the detection of a new interfering SOBR IBR may enable theidentification of one or more attributes associated with the detectedIBR including:

-   -   The vendor of that IBR,    -   The certification of that IBR to adhere to policies associated        with the confidentiality and dissemination of shared        information,    -   The identity of the operator of the detected IBR,    -   The identity and validity of an agreement for information        sharing between a detected device and/or operator and the        present operator or device, or the like.

Rules associated with the foregoing attributes may also be loaded intothe enforcement function at the time of initialization in step 9D-30.Alternatively, some rules may be loaded initially, while others areloaded in response to the need to use them, or other events in variousembodiments. Other attributes include those listed in the foregoing infurther embodiments. For example in some embodiments, the parametersdescribed associated with the forgoing Backhaul Operator settableparameters (including cooperative accommodation parameters (CA)) may bevalid attributes. In various embodiments, the foregoing attributes maybe settable by the backhaul operator as described, or may be partiallyor entirely exclusively settable by the vendor of the equipment oranother entity (such as a certification authority).

Following the completion of step 9D-30, processing proceeds to step9D-40 in the current embodiment. In various embodiments the order ofspecific steps may be interchanged where possible, subdivided intodifferent groups of operations, performed by different entities, orskipped entirely.

Proceeding in the current embodiment to step 9D-40, the ME determines:

-   -   The priority of operational channels authorized as candidate        channels    -   Parameters associated with Authorized IBR-AEs (if configured in        RE mode) and/or a list of Authorized IBR-REs (if configured in        AE mode)    -   Any associated parameters (such as Signature/Alert Values,        expected channels of operation) generically, per IBR, per lists        of IBRs, etc.

In step 9D-50, the ME requests the SOBR RRC to perform a scan ofcandidate channels for operation, which reports determined SOBR Enabledradios including detected attributes as described in variousembodiments.

In some embodiments such attributes may include:

-   -   AE-IBRs, and/or RE-IBRs    -   Authorized AE-IBRs, and/or Authorized RE-IBRs,    -   Other IBRs,    -   Associated detected Parameters for each, for example:        -   i. Frequency channel, channel Rx Level,        -   ii. Signature Attributes,        -   iii. Operator, and/or Vendor,        -   iv. Detected SCC Information        -   v. Authentication Information        -   vi. Detected Interferers        -   vii. Channel Stability information (Doppler, channel fading            attributes, reliability estimates)        -   viii. Channel propagation information (RSSI, Advertised TX            Power of SCC, SNR, C/I, Channel Propagation matrix            attributes, number of usable spatial channels or supportable            streams, channel capacity estimates).

Based on the foregoing, and authorized and preferred settings form step9D-40, the ME (in the current embodiment) configures SOBR RRC channelsas candidates for use. In other embodiments, other entities may performthe function of configuration.

In step 9D-60, the ME determines best candidate channels for operationbased upon scan results and other factors including: priority orauthorized IBRs, Non-SOBR Enabled Interference levels, CooperativeStatus of non-authorized SOBR IBRs, Capabilities of non-authorized SOBRIBRs, any known cooperation of or advertised or determined degrees offreedom statuses from one or more SOBR enabled IBRs, or other factors.

In step 9D-70, the ME begins “Bloom Process” and monitors Network,SOBRS, SCC Link, in-band, and/or out of band channels for directmessages. In some embodiments, one or more SCC channels will bemonitored, while in other embodiments, wired sources of direct messageswill be monitored as well. In some embodiments, an interfered with SOBRIBR may broadcast a “interfered with” message generically rather thanusing a message directed to, or otherwise addressed for the present IBR.In some embodiments, such broadcast alerts should be considered to takethe place of direct messages for the purpose of the discussion herein.

Following step 9D-70, the processing proceeds to a decision step, 9D-90,in which it is determined if a new direct message has been received.Such a step may also include a delay sub-step encompassing the “dwelltime” at a particular transmitted interference level. In specificembodiments, step 9D-70 and the detection of a new interferencenotification of step 9D-90 may be combined so as to halt the BloomProcess and an associated progressively increasing interference levelbased upon the notification or determination of the interferenceimpacting other SOBR-enabled IBRs. In some embodiments, the Bloomprocess may consist of, or be replaced by simply initiating full targetpower transmission of the primary link, and/or initiation of the fulltarget power SCC, and their respective streams.

Within step 9D-90, if a new direct message is has been received, theprocess proceeds to step 9D-100, otherwise the process proceeds to9D-130 in the current embodiment.

Assuming a direct message has been received, or another determination ofthe Bloom process interfering with other IBRS, step 9D-100 is performedand the current IBR embodiment will stop transmission and perform aninterference mitigation process. Embodiments and aspects of suchmitigation processes have been described associated with the ABSembodiments and elsewhere. In some embodiments, the interferencemitigation process may include responding to received direct messagesvia direct message, and the performance of a cooperative interferencemitigation procedure.

In step 9D-110, if it is determined that the presence interference isresolvable processing proceeds to step 9D-80, otherwise if theinterference is determined to not be resolvable step 9D-120 isperformed.

In Step 9D-120, in the case the interference is not resolvable, the SOBRenabled IBR will stop transmission and select alternative channels ifpossible, proceeding to step 9D-60, in the current embodiment. Otherembodiments may follow alternative interference mitigation procedures.

If, in step 9D-110, it was determined that the interference wasresolvable, processing in the current embodiment proceeds to step 9D-80.In step 9D-80, the modified radio parameters will be configured in someembodiments, and/or request alternative radio parameters from anotherSOBR enabled IBR and confirm such radio parameters (via direct messageon SCC, or on the network using SOBRS, SIP-UA, or SA, etc) as to attemptto avoid Interference. Next, one modified radio parameters have beenadjusted, either locally, or remotely to the interfering or interferedwith IBR the current IBR will continue transmission. Such transmissionmay reset and resume the Bloom process, or resume at anothertransmission power level where the process terminated.

Processing, in the current embodiment, then returns to step 9D-90, inwhich the SOBR IBR determines if any additional direct messages havebeen received. Either 9D-80 and/or 9D-90 may include a “dwell time” inwhich a time period is waited, following the transmission of step 9D-80,or 9D-70. In an alternative embodiment, processing of step 9D-80 mayproceed to the “Bloom Process” and continue at the re-start, or continuethe process. In an additional embodiment, Steps 9D-70, and 9D-90 may becombined such that at any point during the progressive interferenceprocess (Bloom Process) and an accompanied dwell time at a specifictransmission interference level, if a direct message is received, theBloom process will be halted and processing will proceed to step 9D-100in some embodiments. If the Bloom process is completed without thereception of a direct message, the processing in one embodiment proceedsto step 9D-130.

In Step 130, a final check is performed, in a current embodiment, todetermine if any other notifications of interference have been receivedor “posted” as a message to be read by the present SOBR IBR, as aninterference alert for example. An interference alert may take a numberof forms including a broadcast signature control channel alert fromanother SOBR enabled IBR, or a check of a registry, server, IBMS, SOBRAgent, SNMP database, network management server, or the like indifferent embodiments. If it is determined an interference alert hasbeen detected or received, processing proceeds to step 9D-120 asdiscussed above.

Alternatively, in the current embodiment and is not alert ofinterference is received, processing proceeds to step 9D-140 where theME configures the radio entities, and begins (or causes the beginningof) the broadcasting of Alerts on the SCC. In the present embodiment,the Alerts are the signature control channel information. Further, theME, in some embodiments, notifies IBR IBMS, or another IBR functionalentity, which begins transmission to the peer IBR on the primary link.

In various embodiments, the term “primary” link refers to theinformation flow between the IBR MAC entities 512A, and may includebackhaul payload information, and may utilize a plurality transmitinformation streams (primary link streams) from the IBR Modem 324A.

In some discussions, individual transmits streams of the primary link,may also referred to as the primary link or as primary link streams todistinguish them from the Signature Control Channel transmissions (SCClink and SCC streams). Further aspects associated with the compositionof a primary link stream and a signature control channel stream arediscussed below related to FIG. 10B and elsewhere.

Finally, in step 9D-140, during ongoing operation and in specificembodiments, the ME monitors for interference, and interferencemessages. If interference is detected from non-SOBR enabled IBR,appropriate interference mitigation or avoidance processes will beperformed in some embodiments. As the transmitting interferer is notSOBR enabled, utilizing embodiments of the SOBR processes to coordinatewith the transmitter is not possible. However in adapting parameters ofthe paired SOBR IBRS associated with the primary link, SOBR proceduresmay be followed so as to avoid creating interference to other SOBRdevices as the present SOBR IBRs adapt respective transmissionparameters.

The types of parameters which may be adapted are discussed herein, andinclude those associated with the ABS embodiments, including but notlimited to frequency channels, transmit beam former parameters,selection of specific antennas, antenna elements, polarizations, powerlevels, modulations, automatic re-transmissions (ARQ) parameters, HybridARQ parameters, Forward Error Correction (FEC), Modulation and CodingSelection (MCS), transmit or receive null steering settings, theselection and exclusion of specific spatial propagation paths,adjustment of so-called “water filling” settings associated with spatialmultiplexing, channel transmission and reception timing, the adjustmentof target bit or frame error rate, and the like.

In the case where other SOBR enabled radios are detected as causing theinterference in step 9D-140, or in some embodiments during the BloomProcess of Step 9F-70/9D-90, cooperative interference mitigationtechniques may be employed, also referred to as cooperativeaccommodation, and are discussed above.

In the case of the present SOBR IBRs changing transmission parameters,and in specific embodiments, when new transmission parameters areselected and prior to changing the transmission parameters associatedwith the primary link, additional signature control channel streams maybe utilized with the new transmission parameters for a period of time soas to determine if the new parameters will cause interference to anotherSOBR enabled IBR. Such a determination may be based upon receiving adirect message or interference alert from the interfered withSOBR-enabled IBR.

If such a message is received, new alternative transmission parametersmay be selected, or cooperative accommodation with the interfered withSOBR IBR may be employed until it is determined that transmission of theprimary link with the resulting parameters will result in acceptablemutual performance. In some embodiments, the “changing” SOBR IBR will berequired to sacrifice more performance in accommodation, or toaccommodate “first” to attempt to prevent a cascading of transmissionparameter adjustments from multiple SOBR IBRs across a regional area.

One approach for reducing the likelihood of such as cascading effect, isto require the “changing” or a new SOBR IBR being brought on-line (forexample as described associated with FIG. 9D) to only request aninterfered with, or a “would-be” interfering SOBR IBR to changeparameters if all the “degrees of freedom” of the changing SOBR IBR havebeen exhausted.

In another embodiment, an indication of the available degrees offreedom, specific operating margins of utilized links and streams,channel propagation parameters, interference profiles, and operatingrequirements of a specific SOBR IBRs may be shared between SOBR IBRs,allowing for a determination of a reasonable solution for both SOBRIBRs.

Ideally in one embodiment, a cooperative accommodation utilizing sharedparameters would allow for minimal impact to a currently operating SOBRIBR, and a “changing” SOBR IBR would propose a solution minimizingimpact, but allowing acceptable operation for primary links of bothSOBR-enabled IBRs. The “filter function” of the SOBR SPEF of FIG. 9C maybe used to prevent the sharing of sensitive “inter carrier” information,as such as operating requirements, and remaining link margins, and otherparameters including those described above, but allow for an ME SOBRAgent (or other entity) to make reasonable proposed solutions forcooperative accommodation between SOBR IBRs of different operators whileretaining privacy. Such proposals, and negotiations may be made invarious embodiments utilizing the Signature control Channel directlybetween SOBR enabled IBRs, or may be sent utilizing a SIP messaging andthe SOBR SIP User agent. Other embodiments may use one or more SOBRservers and an intermediary.

Specific embodiments allow for purely anonymous cooperativeaccommodation between SOBR devices, where other embodiments allow forthe sharing of detained information as discussion above. The decision asto share specific operating parameters and requirements is also theresponsibility of the SOBR SPEF in some embodiments, while in otherembodiments the capabilities of the SOB enabled IBR may be limited. Inother embodiments, differing amounts of information may be sharedbetween SOBR IBRs depending upon the rules determined in the SOBR “Rulesfunction” (SOBRF), and may be based upon the relationship between theoperators of the interacting SOBR IBRs.

Additionally, the information which is visible to the IBMS of a SOBR IBRmay also depend upon such inter operator relationships. In someembodiments, the level of cooperation may be based upon an“accommodation equity” associated with past inter-operator ordevice-level accommodation. In some embodiments, the level ofcooperation extended to other devices or operators depends upon anaccommodation level received in return, or in some embodiments governedby agreements between the operators, or required by the SOBRcertification process.

Specific agreements may be put in place between operators and allow forthe sharing of specific operating parameters useful for cooperativeaccommodation, and the privacy of those parameters to the higher layers(IBMS for example). Associated with such agreements, the aforementionedSIM card may be used to determine the authenticity of one or more of:

-   -   the identity of the operator of a SOBR IBR,    -   a valid agreement governing the sharing of information,    -   the vendor of a SOBR IBR,    -   and the valid certification of a SOBR IBR,    -   or other aspects.

Such agreements may be registered with a third party who certifies thevalidity, or provisions the SIM cards with credentials. Such credentialsmay include IMSI, a subscriber authentication key (Ki), a cyphering key(Kc) private keys, shared keys, public keys, or Hashed values, Hostpasswords, SIP credentials (for examplesip:user:password@host:port:uri-parameters?headers) or othercredentials, and associated authentication server information.

It should be noted that the use of the term SIM is used generically inthis context and in different embodiments may be an ISIM, USUM, GSM SIM,DOSIS Identity Module, or Secure Element, UICC, Smart Card, or the like.The SIM may further store the identity of the authentication servers ofvarious operators, or third party authenticating servers, for use inperforming authentication with other SOBR IBRs.

For example, in one embodiment, public keys for various authenticationlevels may be included. As another example, a cryptographic hash (MD5,SHA1, etc.) of a value from a private key with other information (arandom value, an operator ID, a device serial number, a certificationID, etc.) may be received or sent via the SOBR SCC between IBRs, and thepubic key associated with a private key may be used to verifyauthenticity.

Likewise a public key may be used to hash a value so as to allow thereceiving party to use a matching private key to decrypt and very avalue (similar to RES, or XRES from 3GPP Standards). Such approaches arewell known in the public key infrastructure, and RSA algorithms.

A SIM may further include information allowing for the establishment ofIP-SEC, SSL (SSL certificates, X.509) and information related tocertification authorities. In yet further embodiments, information in aSIM may include SOBRS addresses, SOBRS domain names, Access Point Names(APN), DNS addresses, server domain names, CSCF or IMS proxy addressesor domain names and the like useful in determining addresses and forestablishing communications.

FIG. 10A is an exemplary block diagram of an SOBR enabled IBR includinga Signature Link Processor (SLP). FIG. 10A is, in specific embodiments,the same as FIG. 5A, with the exception that IBR Modem 324A providesK_(IBR) streams to Signature Link Processor 500, and IBR Modem 324Areceives L_(IBR) streams from the Signature Link Processor 500. In someembodiments, where K_(IBR) is equal to K, the functioning of thetransmission path is similar to embodiments described associated withFIG. 5A. Likewise, in some embodiments, where L_(IBR) is equal to L, thefunctioning of the reception path is similar to embodiments describedassociated with FIG. 5A.

However, in other embodiments, L_(IBR) may be less than L, or K_(IBR)may be less than K. In other embodiments both K_(IBR) and L_(IBR) bothmay be less then K and L respectively.

In embodiments where L_(IBR) is less then L, dedicated SCC streams maybe passed from the IBR Channel Mux 328A to the SLP 500 which are notassociated with any primary link stream, and which are passed to asignature control channel modem (SCCM) of FIG. 12A, and not passed forprocessing to the IBR Modem 324A. Such SCCM streams are usable, in someembodiments during initial scanning associated with FIG. 9A, or forgoing scanning for interference. In further embodiments, such SCCstreams, unrelated to a primary link stream may be usable forinteraction with other SOBR enabled devices, including for example,receiving so-called direct messages. Such SCC “independent” streams mayalso be used associated with the “trying out” of candidate primary linkand primary link stream parameters for both receive processing alone, orcoordinated with a paired primary link SOBR-IBR. In embodiments,potential candidate transmission settings may be tried with anindependent SCC stream (where K is greater than K_(IBR)) to testalternative transmission parameters prior to the adjustment of theprimary link itself. In such an embodiment, the transmitting and pairedSOBR-IBR may make transmission parameter adjustments to a transmittedSCC stream(s) not associated with a primary link (in embodiments where Kis greater than K_(IBR)). As a result, both SOBR IBRS engaged in aprimary link (or a further primary link) may determine if the candidatetransmission and reception parameters cause interference to otherSOBR-IBRS, and if those settings will be acceptable for the primary linkoperation. Such a determination may be made prior to the change of thetransmission settings associate with an active primary link. The“tested” and acceptable parameters may then be applied to the primarystreams of the primary link in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, there may be L and K physical or logicalconnections between the IBR Modem 324A and the Signature link processor500, but with only K_(IBR) and/or L_(IBR) actually active, allowing forK-K_(IBR) and/or L-L_(IBR) streams for use with the SLP.

In some embodiments, parameters associated with the IBR Channel Muxweights are independently controlled for streams with only SCCs (e.g. noprimary steams). Such control may be performed via coordination with theIBR RRC or IBR RLC and the SOBR ME or other SOBR entities. Inalternative embodiments an optional SLP_CM Ctrl interface between theSLP 500 and the IB Channel Mux 328A may be used for such configuration.

In some embodiments, as an optional configuration and structuralarrangement, the additional control interface (input and/or output) tothe IBR Channel MUX (328A) (SLP CM Crtl) may be provided from theSignature Link Processor 500, for the conveyance of control informationincluding but not limited to: timing information, channel weights,preamble detection information, frame or superframe timing information,start of frame or superframe triggers, end of frame or superframetriggers, signature detection information, SCCM payload data information(on a SCCM link or SCCM stream basis), channel estimates for one or morestreams, and the like.

In one embodiment, the SLP_CM Ctrl interface provides input to controlthe channel weights utilized by the IBR Channel MUX (328A) for streamsto be utilized exclusively by the SLP. In at least one embodiment, suchcontrol is initially received by the SLP 500, and then forwarded to theIBR Channel MUX. In other embodiments the IBR Channel Mux receives inputfrom independent SCC stream via the optional interface, and the inputsrelated to combined stream(s) (those having Primary and SCC stream) viathe RRC interface. Other embodiments utilize the RRC interface for allIBR Channel Mux inputs, wherein the RRC entity has received SCCM streamrelated IBR Channel Mux inputs from the SLP.

In such an embodiment, the SLP 500 provides control requirements to theIBR RRC, which then directly controls the IBR Channel MUX. In oneembodiment the IBR channel MUX receives control inputs from both the IBRRRC, and the SLP 500 (as generated by the SLP RRC in one embodiment) andthe IBR channel MUX provides the required weights for each stream basedupon the inputs. Such control from the SLP (whether directly supplied,or indirectly via the IBR RRC) would, in some embodiments, utilize IBRcontrol inputs for the K_(IBR) and L_(IBR) streams interfacing with theIBR Modem 324A, and utilize SLP 500 control (again, either directly orindirectly) for any streams without active IBR Modem related inputs oroutputs. For example for the K-K_(IBR) streams, by the SLP 500, and notassociated with any IBR Modem generated streams (e.g. not embeddedwithin a primary stream).

Likewise, as a further non-limiting example, related to the L-L_(IBR)streams received by the SLP 500, and not associated with any IBR Modemgenerated streams (e.g. not embedded within a primary stream) thecontrol information will provided between the SLP 500 and the IBRChannel Mux.

It should be noted that in cases where independent SCC streams areutilized by the IBR Channel Mux, independent timing (e.g. preamblesynchronization, CP removal, pilot symbol removal, and frame/superframetiming, etc.) may be derived from the received SCC links, rather thanthe paired primary links for the independent streams. In someembodiments, the IBR Channel Mux may be capable of simultaneouslysynchronizing to different timings based upon the superframe preamblesof “independent” and “not independent” SCC streams (e.g. thoseassociated respectively associated with and not associated with primarylinks and paired with the current IBR).

The use of additional streams, not associated with IBR Modem streams maybe useful in specific embodiments where communications to or from a IBRengaged in a primary link with a separate IBR is desired, or when noprimary link or associated IBR Modem Streams are present at all, and itis desired to transmit SSC streams (not embedded) to other IBRs or toreceive transmission form other IBR, not associated with the currentIBR.

A more detailed description of FIG. 10A will now be provided; depictingan exemplary block diagram of a SOBR enabled IBR including a signaturelink processor. The functioning of the blocked diagram associated withFIG. 10A is largely similar in some embodiments to the functioning ofthe blocks associated with FIG. 5A with the exception that IBR Modem324A provides K_(IBR) streams to the Signature Link Processor 500 andreceives L_(IBR) streams from Signature Link Processor 500, as discussedabove. It should be noted; however, that IBR Channel Mux 328A continuesto provide L streams to IBR to Signature Link Processor 500 and receiveK streams from the Signature Link Processor 500.

In such an embodiment when K_(IBR) and K are not equal, specific streamsmay be added by the signature link processor which only containsignature control channels which may be directed with different transmitbeam forming weights than those associated with the K_(IBR) primary linkstreams received by the signature link processor. For the primaryinformation streams, (primary link streams 1 through K_(JBR)) theprocessing within the signature link processor includes the addition ofsignature control channels, in some embodiments, such that 1 throughK_(IBR) primary links with embedded signature control channels arepassed within the 1 to K streams to IBR Channel Mux 328A.

Any weighting and combination for transmit beam forming or othertechniques that apply to the primary links also apply similarly to thesignature control channels associated with those streams. Likewise, the1 through L streams received at the signature link processor from IBRChannel Mux 328A will be comprised of 1 through L_(IBR) primary links insome embodiments, where L is greater than L_(IBR). Some SCC streams maybe utilized for searching or receiving signature control channelsassociated with other IBRs and not associated with a primary link streamto which the instant SOBR enabled IBR is paired.

Additionally, IBR Channel Mux 328A as disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/212,036, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,238,318, and Ser.No. 13/536,927, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference, performs the function of adding, in some embodiments, apreamble to the information stream prior to the transmission ofinformation streams (1 through K) received by the IBR channel Mux. TheIBR channel Mux 328A also removes the preamble within the 1 through Lreceived streams. Further processing includes the insertion or removalof pilot symbols in some embodiments as well as other header informationas required in the form of pilot training bits. As a result, in oneembodiment no preamble or pilot bits (training or running pilot bits)are present from the signature link processor to the IBR channel Mux,where they are inserted then transmitted out the 1 through M transmitchains.

Likewise, on the receive side the 1 through N receive RF chains include,in at least one embodiment, a preamble (including pilot training bits aswell as pilot running bits). The IBR channel Mux will then channelequalize based upon the detection of the preamble and drive frame (orsuper frame) timing that may be used for superframe, frame, block andsymbol, even sample synchronization in embodiments. Such timing may bepassed to the Signature Link Processor utilizing the radio link control(RLC), the radio resource control (RRC), or the optional SLP CM Crtlbetween the IBR channel Mux and the Signature Link Processor (asdiscussed above). The result of equalization and spatialde-multiplexing, preamble removal, and pilot bit removal, in the IBRChannel Mux, is passed as the 1 through L receive streams to theSignature Link Processor (where L may be larger than L_(JBR)). TheSignature Link Processor may begin receiving Signature Control Channelinformation from any desired Signature Control Channel links based uponthe detection of the preambles and the derived timing of the superframe,and individual symbols within the superframe, achieved by the IBRChannel Mux. Such timing in some embodiments is communicated to theSignature Link Processor 500. In SOBR enabled IBR devices, the detectionof a preamble may be used for equalization within the IBR channel Mux aswell as to derive timing that is passed to the Signature Link Processor,such that synchronization and timing does not need to be derived solelyon its own using the processing and simplifying the architecture,relative to embodiments disclosed in ABS embodiments.

In some embodiments where streams only including signature controlchannels are received (e.g. where L is greater than L_(JBR)), someembodiments may utilize an independent preamble detection, equalizationand pilot symbol removal separate from that of the primary link preambledetection synchronization and pilot removal. In other embodiments, nopreamble detection may be performed for “SCC only” streams and link. ForSCC only reception not utilizing preamble detection, the detention andsynchronization must be performed within the signature link processor inmanner similar to that described associated with the ABS signature linkprocessor embodiments or other embodiments as described in SOBR.

In embodiments where synchronization is not performed for SCC onlyreception streams by the IBR channel Mux, the preamble removal and pilotsymbol removal as well as cyclic prefix removal may not be performed,and as a result, the sequence used to perform correlations within thesignature link processor (e.g. the code segments or correlation codes)must account for the cyclic prefix and inserted pilot bits in specificembodiments. Such embodiments may simply modify the signature codes toinclude a cyclically shifted version such that correlation is possible.However, as described previously, embodiments of the IBR Channel Mux mayperform the detection of the preamble, independently of the detection ofpreambles for the primary links associated with embedded SCC channels.In such embodiments, the superframe timing, preamble removal, CP removaland pilot symbol removal may be performed by the specific embodiments ofthe IBR Channel Mux for both SCC only streams and for embedded SCCstreams, but with potentially asynchronous, or synchronous but offsettiming as examples.

FIG. 10B is a timing diagram illustrating processing of SignatureControl Channel and PPDU-1 with Tx-path and Rx-path of respective IBRchannel MUXs according to one embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 10B, a timing diagram illustrating processing ofSignature Control Channel and PHY protocol data unit for stream 1(PPDU-1) with TX path and RX path of respective IBR channelmultiplexors, according to one embodiment of the invention is depicted.The top row of the FIG. 10B depicts a Signature Control Channel sequenceof alerts for Steam-1. The second row of the figures depicts a transmit“superframe” for Stream-1 for the primary link (a primary link stream).As discussed associated with FIG. 26 of the “IBR Patent”, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/212,036, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,238,318,incorporated herein by reference, the Stream-1 (in this embodiment aprimary link stream) is processed by the IBR Channel Mux to add aPreamble, training pilots, to the PPDU for Stream-1. Additionally,cyclic prefixes (CPs) are added to segmented portions of the stream(including in some embodiments the training pilots), are referred to as“blocks”. Such blocks are useful in physical layer processing duringdemodulation so to allow for frequency domain equalization prior todemodulation in specific embodiments using specific types ofmodulations. Two such modulation formats for the IBR are (1) OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and (2) Single-Carrier FrequencyDomain Equalization (SC-FDE). Both modulation formats are well known,share common implementation elements, and have various advantages anddisadvantages relative to each other.

As discussed associated with ABS embodiments, and SOBR embodiments, theSignature Link Processor 500 in some embodiments linearly combinesPPDU-1 with the Stream-1 Signature Control Channel blocks. It will benoted in one embodiment, the “composite” Stream-1 begins with a preambleand optional training pilot bits. However, the Stream-1 SignatureControl Channel does not begin until after the preamble and trainingpilots have completed. In specific embodiments, the combination of thesymbols of the SCC stream with the symbols of the PPDU-1 stream offersin the SLP 500, prior to the processing of the composite Stream-1processing of the IBR channel Mux 328A, where the preamble addition andrelated processing occur. It is additionally advantageous for the SCCstream symbols to not be including in the preamble of the transmittedsuperframe as the preamble and optionally the training pilot symbols areused for receive processing. In such embodiments, the quality of thepreamble and the training pilot symbols (if present) are critical forperforming detection, and channel estimation, used associated withreceive processing. As the presence of the SCC stream symbols inpreamble and training pilot symbols degrades the signal to noise ration(SNR) of the received preamble and training pilot symbols (initialsuperframe reference symbols). Such degradation will reduce theestimates of these initial superframe reference symbols, and potentiallyresult in degradation in the performance of the recovery anddemodulation of the primary link stream symbols. It is also important tonote that in some embodiments of the SCC stream level cancellation fromthe primary link streams discussed herein, there is a dependence uponthe detection and channel estimation derived from the initial superframereference symbols. As a result, in some embodiments, avoiding therequirement for cancellation during these initial superframe referencesymbols simplifies the implementation and improves the reliability ofthe resulting cancellation and demodulation performance.

In other embodiments, the signature control channel may begin after thepreamble but before the training pilots while yet in other embodimentsthe signature control channel may begin right away and at the same timeof the preamble.

The delay in time between the beginning of the preamble and thebeginning of the Signature Control Channel sequences (Alerts in thecurrent embodiment) is referred to as T_(OFFSET) ^(ALERT). The length ofa particular transmitted alert in this embodiment is L^(ALERT) where thefirst transmitted signature is labeled 10B-2-1, the second signature10B-2-2, and the last signature prior to the transmission of anotherpreamble of the next superframe is 10B-2-A. (e.g. the transmittedsignatures are labeled 10B-2-(1 through A)). The primary link forStream-1, again, consists of a preamble followed by training pilots. Thetraining pilots are utilized by the receiver for separating spatialstreams as well as equalization of the received stream with frequency.

The preamble is followed by a series of symbols comprising the PHYProtocol Data Unit PPDU for Stream-1 that is comprised of a PHY LayerConvergence Protocol header (PLCP) allocated to Stream-1 and then one ormore MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs), or a fragment thereof within agiven superframe.

To generate the preamble, the IBR Channel Multiplexor, in oneembodiment, generates samples from a sample library or other methodsknown in the art. Then, the training pilots are processed so as to add acyclic prefix (as a training block). Each subsequent block is a fixedduration of transmit symbols in some embodiments, and are processed toadd the CP as well.

For a specific transmit RF chain, the IBR channel multiplexor will“weight” (or multiply in some embodiments) a copy of each transmitstream (independent SCC streams, composite streams with SCC stream andPPDU stream symbols, and in some embodiments only PPDU stream symbols)with the appropriate transmission weights and combine them together as atransmit chain input signal. The combined and weighted streams (transmitchain input signals) are coupled to transmit RF chains and convert to aplurality of respective transmit RF signals.

The streams that are combined into transmit chain input signals willinclude, in specific embodiments, composite streams including primarylinks for Stream-1, combined with Stream-1 Signature Control Channels.As mentioned above, the composite stream therefore each receive a commontransmit weighting.

Additionally, Signature Control Channels not associated with a primarylink will receive transmit weighting and be combined with other transmitstreams to produce the individual transmit chain input signals.

On the receive side, each RF chain will receive an receive RF signalsand provide a respective receive chain output signal to the IBR channelmultiplexor (including a frequency selective receive path channelmultiplexer in embodiments) which will perform detection of thepreambles associated with each stream and perform synchronization.

The synchronization will allow the timing to be resolved such thatindividual blocks may be determined, cyclic prefixes may be removed,receive weights may be applied, and fine synchronization may be improvedas well as determining phase reference signals. The result will beindividual receive streams output from the IBR channel multiplexor intothe Signature Link Processor.

Again, some of those output streams numbered 1 through L will include,in some embodiments, primary links in summation with Signature ControlChannel stream symbols, and potentially Signature Control Channel onlystreams.

In specific embodiments, it is possible that the same Signature ControlChannel information may be utilized on all streams, or it may be thatonly one primary link may be associated with a signature control channeland specific primary link streams may not include the addition of asignature control channel within the signature link processor of apaired IBR.

It is important to note that the signature control channels associatedwith 1 through K streams, being received by the IBR Channel Mux, in someembodiments, will not have a preamble associated with it, trainingpilots, or CPs as thy were removed within the IBR Channel Mux 328A.Further, specific embodiments will not have running pilots, which areadded to the 1 through L streams associated with both Signature ControlChannel only streams as well as composite Signature Control Channel andprimary link streams in summation for each stream. Likewise, whenreceiving, the IBR channel Mux will remove the preamble training pilotsand running pilots as well as cyclic prefixes leaving only the signaturecontrol channel streams in summation with primary link streams.

Referring now to FIG. 11A, an illustration of an exemplaryself-organizing back call radio compliant signal including an in-bandand embedded Signature Control Channel (SCC)) signal is depicted. Thesignal in one embodiment is comprise of a single SCC stream, whereas inother embodiments it may be the combined streams of a signal SCC link.

Signal 11-11-1 is the preamble of a first super frame, as discussedpreviously associated with FIG. 10B, and in one embodiment is equal inlength to a single block time (for example, 20 microseconds). 11-11-1may represent a single stream's preamble, or the combination ofcollective stream's preambles in other embodiments. In some embodiments,the preamble may comprise a Zadoff-Chu code as is used in the LTEstandards of 3GPP. Such Zadoff-Chu codes may act as synchronizationcodes, as well as pilot symbols usable for the separation and trainingof the received spatial multiplexor and frequency equalization (forexample for use with a frequency selective receive path channelmultiplexer).

In other embodiments, pilot training symbols may follow the preamble(s)and utilize any number of spatial multiplexing techniques such as Walshcodes as used in 802.11 in standards.

The collective transmitted signatures or alerts in FIG. 11A comprising afirst super frame are labeled 11-11-3, whereas the primary link symbolsassociated with at least one primary link stream are collectivelylabeled 11-11-2.

In an embodiment having a single “composite” stream, the individualtransmitted signatures within 11-11-3 are labeled 11-11-3-1 through11-11-3-A. An arbitrarily referenced transmit signature is labeled11-11-3-a. The time when the transmitted alerts are valid beginning with11-11-3-1 through 11-11-3-A is referred to as T_(VALID) ^(ALERT). Theratio of the transmitted power of the primary link symbols to theindividual transmitted signatures is referred to as P_(Emb) ^(ALERT).The duration of an individual transmitted alert is equal to the lengthof a signature in a current embodiment, and this duration is referred toas L^(ALERT).

As one example of a primary link having a radio frequency spectrumbandwidth of 40 MHz, each primary link stream symbol, in someembodiments, would be 25 ns in duration when utilizing a single carriermodulated signal such as SC-FDE. For a system having a fixed size blockof 512 payload symbols, and a roughly 10% cyclic prefix, each blockwould include 512+52=564 symbols, which would result in an exemplaryblock duration of 14.1 us. In the current embodiment, the preamble wouldalso be of this same duration, thought there is no requirement for this,and other embodiments may include preambles of durations that differfrom the duration of the transmission blocks.

As, in the current embodiments, the preamble is comprised of aZadoff-Chu (ZC), a sequence comprised of 564 ZC symbols in duration maybe utilized, so as to match the duration of the fixed transmission blocksize in the current embodiment. As ZC codes generally are of a lengthdifferent from a a particular block size. Therefore, a ZC code of ashorter length and in some embodiments of a prime number in length,cyclically extended to the desired duration (or number of symbols) maybe utilized as the preamble sequence in some embodiments. Such anapproach is used in the LTE standard for example.

Such a sequence may further be used as the specific signature sequencein the current embodiments. In some embodiments, a cyclically shifted,then cyclically extended version of the same ZC “base” code sequence maybe used for each preamble, as well as for the signature sequences, witheach sequence being orthogonal to the other sequences utilized for otherSCC streams.

In one embodiment, the preamble sequence may be of one type of code,where the alter sequence may be of differing codes. For example, thepreambles and the alert sequences may be of differing root SC codesequences in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the preamble may beof a ZC code family, where the alter codes may be of so-called MaximalLength PN codes, Gold codes, Barker Sequences, or other codes as knownin the industry.

For a Signature Control Channel comprised of a transmitted spreadspectrum signal utilizing direct sequence spread spectrum, the chippingrate for the period of one individual chip of an alert sequence wouldhave the same time duration of 25 nanoseconds, in the forgoing example.As a result the transmit symbol rate and the chip rate would be equal inone embodiment. Thus, the processing gain associated with correlation ofan individual alert (excluding the CP) would be equal to10*log₁₀(L^(ALERT)) or 10*log₁₀(512) which is equal to roughly 27 dB ingain in the current embodiment. For example, an individual primarystream being transmitted at 0 dBm and a signature control channel of thesame composite stream being transmitted at −10 dBm, followingcorrelation by the signature link processor would result in a SignatureControl Channel Es/Nt (Energy of a Symbol relative to the energy of theinterference) of 17 dB.

Such an SNR (or Es/Nt) is reasonable for the detection of the signaturecontrol channel utilizing BPSK, QPSK, or possibly higher ordermodulations. However, in receiving the primary stream, the primary linksignal would be at 10 dB SNR, which is insufficient for higherperformance modulation and coding selection levels, and therefore mayalso damage the reception of the primary link.

In order to improve the SNR of the primary streams, as will be discussedsubsequently, a novel interference cancellation technique may beutilized to effectively remove the presence of the Signature ControlChannel streams from the primary link streams. Additional detail anddiscussion of the processing gain related to a Signature Control Channelmay be found in forgoing discussions.

FIG. 11B is an illustration of an alternative exemplary Self OrganizingBackhaul Radio (SOBR) compliant signal including an in-band and embeddedsignature signal (Signature Control Channel (SCC)).

FIG. 11B is similar to FIG. 11A except that the T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) timeduration ends prior to the arrival of the next transmitted primary linkpreamble. As can be seen in the figure, Signature 11-11-3-A is notadjacent to Preamble 11-20-1. Therefore, it is contemplated that someembodiments may have limited time durations of the SCC sequences persuperframe, (e.g. T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) termination times prior to thesuper frame duration). It should also be noted associated with bothFIGS. 11A and B as well as FIG. 11C that no signature sequences arepresent during the preamble transmission periods in the currentembodiment.

FIG. 11C is an illustration of a further exemplary Self OrganizingBackhaul Radio (SOBR) compliant signal including an in-band and embeddedsignature signal (Signature Control Channel (SCC)). Referring now toFIG. 11C, the first transmitted signature 11-11-3 associated with theT_(VALID) ^(ALERT) period is not adjacent to Preamble 11-11-1 as was thecase with FIGS. 11A and 11B. A set value of T_(OFFSET) ^(ALERT) delaybetween the preamble and the first transmitted signature is present. Inthe current embodiment, the T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) period also terminatesprior to the end of the primary link super frame. Therefore time periodsbefore and after T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) exists during the superframe withvalid primary link stream symbols, but with transmitted alerts.

Referring now to FIG. 11D, an illustration of an exemplary embodiment ofself-organizing backhaul radio compliant signals of various structureare depicted. For an individual transmitted alert, in the currentembodiment, the length of a signature is equal to the length of an alertas depicted in the present figure. The SCC sequence 11D-11 is labeled ashaving a duration of L^(ALERT). Additionally the length of the signaturesequence is also L^(ALERT), and is equal to L^(SIG), in contrast to somepreviously disclosed ABS embodiments.

Because equalization and a phase reference may be derived from the IBRchannel multiplexor (form the preamble for example in some embodiments)the superframe timing synchronization information as well as phasereferences may be passed to the signature link processor. Suchinformation may be utilized to support coherent BPSK using the phasereference from the preamble and/or pilot symbols derived within the IBRchannel multiplexor. In such an example, depicted as 11D-20, the sameinformation bit would be used to modulate the phase on both the in phaseand quadrature sequences as is the case with BPSK.

The same signature code sequence may be used for an in phase code and aquadrature phase code, or different ones may be utilized depending uponspecific implementations on various embodiments. Referring to signaturesequences associated with 11D-30, such a structure supports coherentQPSK. In this embodiment, the demodulators within the SCCMs may usephase and amplitude references derived from the preamble and/or pilotsymbols determined (in one embodiment) by the IBR channel mux and passedto the signature link processor. The same or different signature codesequences may be used on the in-phase and quadrature signals. Theresulting symbols, of which there is one per alter in the currentembodiment, may have various amplitudes and be mapped into aconstellation supporting QPSK or QAM. Such an implementation where aphase, amplitude and/or timing references are derived from the primarilylink preambles allows for a simpler implementation of the signature linkprocessor and a more efficient modulation scheme in some applications.

It should be further noted that the in some embodiments of the SCC, a“format” field may be inserted as the first byte (as an example)indicating the length of the T_(VALID) ^(ALERT) symbols (e.g. sequencesand blocks in the current embodiment). The first format field may be ofa known modulation, and additionally indication the modulation used insubsequent symbols in some embodiments, and even FEC coding of theinformation carried by the SCC link or stream in other embodiments.

FIG. 12A is an exemplary block diagram of a Signature Link Processor(SLP) of a Self-Organizing Backhaul Radio (SOBR).

In one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the SCC streams arecancelled form the primary link streams, MAC frames may be sent from theME entity of one IBR to the peer ME entity of another paired SOBR IBRentity containing the next, or a future SCC link data superframe for usein canceling such data and the sequences cancelling such data from theprimary link streams to be received at a later time. Such SOBR MAC framedata may be transferred via the primary link for use in cancellationrelated to the SCC streams, prior to the arrival of the SCC stream to beremoved. Such a cancellation process allows, in some embodiments, for animproved performance of the primary link streams.

In one such embodiment, the SLP 500 receives “IBR_SLP_Data” prior toreception of the signature sequences of a future superframe, based uponMAC 512A providing the known and “to be transmitted” sequence to the SLP500 for use in the receive cancellation process.

In some embodiments where the sequences, and/or associated payload arenot known to the public, and for example, continually changing, thepresence of SCC streams may act as a physical layer security mechanism.Such a mechanism in some embodiments may reduce the SNR of the primarylink stream to a point where the information is not retrievable withinadditional and potentially difficult processing. As a result, thepresence of a SCC link may act as a physical layer security approach, insome embodiments.

Also, as mentioned, in one embodiment, there may be a set of knownsuperframe formats, which would allow for blind detection of other(non-paired) superframes. Such an approach may also include a “signal”field (for example 2 bytes) defining a protocol version number, and aformat ID indicting the overall format for the SCC data, and associatedstreams. A similar approach was discussed associated with embodiments ofthe SCC frame formats in ABS embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 12A, the blocks of this figure are similar tothose of FIG. 5B with some notable exceptions. An additional Block12A-10-1 has been added to the Signature Control Channel Modem 5-10-B-1and likewise for each individual stream SCCM through 12A-10-K-L.

The additional blocks 12A-10-1 through 12-10-K-L are Signature ControlChannel interference cancelers. The purpose, in one embodiment of thesecancelers, is to subtract the signature control channel modulatedinformation from the receive primary streams outputting a stream whichonly includes a primary link stream.

For example, Interference Canceler 12A-10-1 would output receiveStream-1, whereas Interference Canceler 12A-10-K-L would output receivestream DRX-Out-KL.

It is notable that one purpose, in specific embodiments of the SOBR IBRradios, is to alert other radios as to which SOBR radio (and potentiallystreams of those radios) is interfering. The Signature Control Channelswill allow such identification in specific embodiments. As a result, theinformation carried on the Signature Control Channel between two pairedSOBR IBRs during normal operation is not useful, in specificembodiments, to the receiving paired SOBR IBR. This is because theprimary link between the paired IBRs may be used to communicateMAC-level information both between SOBR and ME entities as well as IBRagents. Because of this, a transmitting SOBR IBR may communicate theplanned Signature Control Channel information to the receiving pairedSOBR IBR over its primary link prior to the transmission of that sameinformation on the Signature Control Channel. As a result, the SCC maybe used to advertise/broadcast information (or send directed messages)to the unpaired SOBR IBRs.

Embodiments allow for the Signature Control Channel interferencecanceler 12A-10-1 to be aware of the data bits associated with areceived super frame prior to the need to cancel the Signature ControlChannel modulated signatures associated with that super frame.Therefore, one novel aspect of embodiments of the SOBR IBR ispre-communicating information over a primary link from a transmittingIBR to the receiving IBR prior to that transmission of the sameinformation on the Signature Control Channel. Such embodiments allow forthe receiving IBR to use the known data sequence, and known signaturesequences together in the cancellation process within the Signature LinkProcessor 500.

FIG. 12B is an exemplary block diagram of a Signature Control ChannelModem of a Self Organizing Backhaul Radio (SOBR).

Referring now to FIG. 12B, the blocks are similar to implementations andvarious embodiments associated with FIG. 5C, with at least one exceptionthat information from the Signature Control Channel Detector,Synchronizer 570C and/or information from signature control channeldigital demodulator are passed (Sign REF-kl) to the signature controlchannel inference canceler in one embodiment. While in otherembodiments, no such information is required to be passed, onlyrequiring the DRx-kl receive stream. The use of the predetermined SCCinformation and the use of synchronization to the preamble of asuperframe eliminates the need, in some embodiments, for the use of theSign_Ref-kl signal.

Additionally and yet in other embodiments, Modem Timing Controller 550Cpasses control information to the signature control channel interferencecanceler including superframe timing, phase and amplitude references,and other information required for cancellation of the signature controlchannel from a current primary link stream.

FIG. 12C is an exemplary block diagram of a Signature Control Channel(SCC) Interference Canceller of a Self-Organizing Backhaul Radio (SOBR).

Referring now to FIG. 12C, an embodiment of the signature controlchannel interference canceler is depicted. The receive data streamDRx-kl is passed to Canceler combiner 12C-10 which may be implemented asa summer or in other embodiments as a subtractor while in otherembodiments may be another form of combiner which outputs DRx OUT-kl.

The data to be cancelled is passed to the known signature controlchannel Buffer 12C-60 over the SCCM_Data-kl. The signature Generator12C-60 receives the known data bits and modulates the generatedsignatures so as to match the incoming equalized symbol stream. Thereference signature sequence symbol stream is then passed to aMultiplexor 12C-50. Multiplexor 12C-50 may derive the cancellationsignal of combined signatures with known data from either the signatureGenerator 12C-60 or from Sign Ref-kl which was derived through directdetection and demodulation means as depicted within FIG. 12B.

In one embodiment Equalizer 12C-20 is an adapted equalizer matching thecancellation weights allowing for the cancellation of the signaturecontrol channel from Combiner 12C-10. Detector 12C-30 monitors thepresence of remaining signature control channel symbols, and passes suchinformation to adaptive Controller 12C-40 which then adapts Equalizer12C-20 so as to increase the cancellation of the signature controlchannel symbol stream from the primary link stream.

While in other embodiments, the equalizer may be used only partially ornot used at all. In embodiments, when the primary link is equalized inthe IBR channel multiplexer 328A, so too is the signature controlchannel equalized accordingly. The equalizer 12C-20 may then be a setvalue in time or frequency.

In such an embodiment, it may not be necessary to adapt the equalizer12C-20 at all, or the equalizer may be adaptive at its lower rate thanwould otherwise be possible.

SCCM_CTRL-kl is the signature control modem control and is utilized tocommunicate equalization, timing, and other information from the SLPController 520 which may derive such superframe timing, symbol timing,sample timing, equalization, and other aspects including phase andamplitude references from the RRC interface, the RLC interface or theSLP_CM control optional interface in some embodiments.

FIG. 12D is an exemplary block diagram of a Signature Control Channel(SCC) Interference Canceller of a Self Organizing Backhaul Radio (SOBR).

Referring now to FIG. 12D, an alternative embodiment of a signaturecontrol channel interference canceller is depicted. 12B-10-kl shows thealternative implementation in which DRx-kl is received by Combiner12C-10 and outputs DRx-Out-kl. The known SCC data Buffer 12C-60 performsbuffering of the data to be cancelled at the alert rate and passesinformation of the data bits to be cancelled, modulation, and otherrequired information related to the signature control channel symbolstream to signature Generator 12C-60.

The Signature Generator 12C-60 then utilizes the information form theData Buffer 12C-70 to generate the appropriate cancellation signalincluding modulated information bits (symbols) to Combiner 12C-10.

In such an embodiment, Signature Generator 12C-60 may also include anequalization function as described previously.

FIG. 12E is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of a slidingdetector 5J-10 for use with an embodiment of SOBR SCCM demodulation.

Referring now to FIG. 12E, the SCCM_Cntr interface, provides a phasereference to MUX 12E-10 for use in BPSK demodulation in one embodiment.The CSCB 5I-10 performs a correlation of a single signature sequence,with timing alignment as provided by the Sliding detector Controlinterface. In other embodiment, a phase reference signature may bepresent in the SCC composite stream as well, and the resultingcorrelation provided to another input of MUX 12E-10. The resultingphase, and or amplitude information may then be selected form the MUX12E-10 and utilized to “De-Rotate” the de-correlated information atComplex Multiplier 5J-50. The correlated information is derived form theCSCB using a (or multiple) signature code(s) corresponding to the datasymbols of the SCC stream. The output of the CSCB is converted from Iand Q into a complex representation by block 5J-20, conjugated by block5J-40, and provided to the complex multiplier (5J-50) as discussed. Insome embodiments, where the IBR Channel Multiplexer has alreadyequalized the SCC link stream sufficiently, and de-rotated the phase ofthe signal to a pre-determined value, the complex multiplication my beomitted, or comprise a fixed complex “Rotation Vector”. The output ofthe complex multiplier 5J-50 is then provided in the current embodimentto the slicer 12E-30 for conversion into “hard” values (for example 1sand 0s). In other embodiments where a soft decision FEC decoder isutilized, the output of the phase-rotation, and amplitude scanningperforming in embodiments of 5J-50 are provided to output SMj(n). SMj(n)may be utilized per prior embodiments, or utilizing approaches known tothose skilled in the art, for example to a FEC decoder utilizing softsymbol input, such as a trellis decoder, Viterbi decoder, turbo decoderor the like.

One or more of the methodologies or functions described herein may beembodied in a computer-readable medium on which is stored one or moresets of instructions (e.g., software). The software may reside,completely or at least partially, within memory and/or within aprocessor during execution thereof. The software may further betransmitted or received over a network.

The term “computer-readable medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also be taken toinclude any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying aset of instructions for execution by a machine and that cause a machineto perform any one or more of the methodologies of the presentinvention. The term “computer-readable medium” shall accordingly betaken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, andoptical and magnetic media.

Embodiments of the invention have been described through functionalmodules at times, which are defined by executable instructions recordedon computer readable media which cause a computer, microprocessors orchipsets to perform method steps when executed. The modules have beensegregated by function for the sake of clarity. However, it should beunderstood that the modules need not correspond to discreet blocks ofcode and the described functions can be carried out by the execution ofvarious code portions stored on various media and executed at varioustimes.

It should be understood that processes and techniques described hereinare not inherently related to any particular apparatus and may beimplemented by any suitable combination of components. Further, varioustypes of general purpose devices may be used in accordance with theteachings described herein. It may also prove advantageous to constructspecialized apparatus to perform the method steps described herein. Theinvention has been described in relation to particular examples, whichare intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many differentcombinations of hardware, software, and firmware will be suitable forpracticing the present invention. Various aspects and/or components ofthe described embodiments may be used singly or in any combination. Itis intended that the specification and examples be considered asexemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention beingindicated by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-organizing backhaul radio comprising: oneor more demodulator cores, wherein each demodulator core is capable ofdemodulating one or more primary receive symbol streams to produce oneor more receive data interface streams; a plurality of receive radiofrequency (RF) chains, wherein each receive RF chain is capable ofconverting from one of a plurality of receive RF signals to a respectiveone of a plurality of receive chain output signals; an antenna arraycomprising a plurality of directive gain antenna elements, wherein eachdirective gain antenna element is couplable to at least one receive RFchain; a frequency selective receive path channel multiplexer to produceone or more composite receive symbol streams from the plurality ofreceive chain output signals, wherein each respective one of the one ormore composite receive symbol streams comprises a linear combination ofa respective primary receive symbol stream and a respective signaturecontrol channel symbol stream, and wherein each respective signaturecontrol channel symbol stream is a spread spectrum modulated signal thatcarries a respective signature control channel information; and asignature link processor, interposed between the one or more demodulatorcores and the frequency selective receive path channel multiplexer, toproduce the one or more primary receive symbol streams provided to theone or more demodulator cores from the one or more composite receivesymbol streams; wherein the signature link processor comprises one ormore respective signature control channel stream cancellers each for:receiving the respective one of the one or more composite receive symbolstreams; receiving the respective signature control channel informationas pre-communicated respective signature control channel information,wherein the pre-communicated respective signature control channelinformation is derived from information communicated to theself-organizing backhaul radio prior to the receiving of the respectivesignature control channel symbol stream that carries the respectivesignature control channel information; cancelling the respectivesignature control channel symbol stream from the respective one of theone or more composite receive symbol streams to produce the respectiveprimary receive symbol stream based upon the pre-communicated respectivesignature control channel information.
 2. The self-organizing backhaulradio of claim 1, further comprising: a radio resource controller,wherein the radio resource controller is capable of setting or causingto be set specific selective couplings between the certain of theplurality of directive gain antenna elements and the certain of theplurality of receive RF chains.
 3. The self-organizing backhaul radio ofclaim 1, wherein each one of the one or more demodulator cores comprisesat least a decoder and a soft decision symbol demapper; and wherein eachone of the plurality of receive RF chains comprises at least a vectordemodulator and two analog to digital converters that are capable ofproducing the respective one of the plurality of receive chain outputsignals, each said respective one of the plurality of receive chainoutput signals comprised of digital baseband quadrature signals.
 4. Theself-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1, wherein the set of receive RFchains that can accept receive RF signals from the one or moreselectable RF connections is divided between one subset that acceptsreceive RF signals from directive gain antenna elements with a firstpolarization and a second subset that accepts receive RF signals fromdirective gain antenna elements with a second polarization.
 5. Theself-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1, wherein the directive gainantenna elements that can be selectively coupled to receive RF chainsare arranged on a plurality of facets with one or more directive gainantenna elements per facet, and wherein each facet is oriented at adifferent azimuth angle relative to at least one other facet.
 6. Theself-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1, wherein the frequencyselective receive path channel multiplexer comprises at least one of aSpace Division Multiple Access (SDMA) combiner or equalizer, a maximalratio combining (MRC) combiner or equalizer, a minimum mean squarederror (MMSE) combiner or equalizer, an Eigen Beam Forming (EBF) combineror equalizer, a receive beam forming (BF) combiner or equalizer, a ZeroForcing (ZF) combiner or equalizer, a channel estimator, a MaximalLikelihood (DL) detector, an Interference Canceller (IC), a VBLASTcombiner or equalizer, a Discrete Fourier Transformer (DFT), a FastFourier Transformer (FFT), or an Inverse Fast Fourier Transformer(IFFT).
 7. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1 wherein theantenna array further comprises: one or more selectable RF connectionsfor selectively coupling certain of the plurality of directive gainantenna elements to certain of the plurality of receive RF chains, saidcertain of the plurality of receive RF chains including at least onereceive RF chain coupled to the frequency selective receive path channelmultiplexer, wherein the number of directive gain antenna elements thatcan be selectively coupled to receive RF chains exceeds the number ofreceive RF chains that can accept receive RF signals from the one ormore selectable RF connections; and wherein the backhaul radio iscapable of determining an opportunity for a performance enhancement thatderives from setting specific selective couplings between the certain ofthe plurality of directive gain antenna elements and the certain of theplurality of receive RF chains.
 8. The self-organizing backhaul radio ofclaim 7 wherein at least one of the one or more selectable RFconnections comprises at least one RF switch.
 9. The self-organizingbackhaul radio of claim 7 wherein at least one of the additional certainof the plurality of receive RF chains is coupled to the frequencyselective receive path channel multiplexer.
 10. The self-organizingbackhaul radio of claim 7 wherein said performance enhancement includesone or more of a reduced interference level within one or more of thereceive symbol streams, an increased data throughput rate, an improvedlink diversity, an increased channel efficiency, or an increased signalto interference and noise ratio (SINR).
 11. The self-organizing backhaulradio of claim 1 further comprising: one or more transmit RF chains, andwherein the self-organizing backhaul radio is configured to perform eachof the following: scan one or more radio frequency channels for thepresence of signature radio signals transmitted from one or more otherself-organizing backhaul radios to generate scan data, and wherein theradio comprises at least one adjustable network parameter that isadjustable based on the scan data, wherein said scanned one or moreradio frequency channels are selected, at least in part, based upon thescan data, wherein the at least one network parameter is adjusted toreduce a potential of interference of the self-organizing backhaul radiowith the other self-organizing backhaul radios, wherein the adjustingthe at least one network parameter comprises one or more of: selecting afrequency channel utilized between the self-organizing backhaul radioand a second self-organizing backhaul radio; adjusting the effectiveradiation pattern of the self-organizing backhaul radio; selecting oneor more of the plurality of directive gain antenna elements; andadjusting the physical configuration or arrangement of the one or moreof the plurality of directive gain antenna elements.
 12. Theself-organizing backhaul radio of claim 11, wherein the adjusting theeffective radiation pattern comprises one or more of: steering theeffective radiation pattern in elevation; steering the effectiveradiation pattern in azimuth.
 13. The self-organizing backhaul radio ofclaim 11, wherein the adjusting the effective radiation patterncomprises calculating digital beam former weights based upon at leastone constraint related to the potential of interference; and applyingthe digital beam former weights.
 14. The self-organizing radio of claim13, wherein the constraint comprises one or more of: properties relatedto or derived from said scan result; a direction in which signaltransmission is to be limited; parameters which reduce the potential forinterfering with one or more of said registered radios meeting saidspecific criteria; parameters which increase the likelihood of saidself-organizing radio and a second self-organizing radios meetingperformance goals with respect to an interposed wireless communicationlink; a restriction of use of specific transceivers or specific antennasof a plurality of transceivers or antennas; a use of specificpolarizations for transmission; attributes of a collective transmissionradiation pattern associated with a plurality of transmitters; afrequency or geometric translation of beam forming weights betweenreceiver weights and transmitter weights; a change in antennas used orselected; a change in operating frequency.
 15. The self-organizingbackhaul radio of claim 11 wherein at least a portion of the signatureradio signals are transmitted from a self-organizing backhaul radio ofthe one or more other self-organizing backhaul radios for which nointerposed primary link is established with the instant self-organizingbackhaul radio.
 16. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1wherein a chip rate of the respective signature control channel symbolstream is equal to a symbol rate of the respective primary receivesymbol stream of at least one of the one or more composite receivesymbol streams, for at least a portion of time.
 17. The self-organizingbackhaul radio of claim 1 wherein a chip rate of the respectivesignature control channel symbol stream is equal to a symbol rate of therespective primary receive symbol stream of each of the one or morecomposite receive symbol streams, for at least a portion of time. 18.The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1 wherein the respectivesignature control channel symbol stream is not present during arespective preamble period of the respective primary receive symbolstream of at least one of the one or more composite receive symbolsstreams.
 19. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1 wherein atiming of the respective signature control channel symbol stream issynchronized in time with a preamble period of the respective primaryreceive symbol stream of at least one of the one or more compositereceive symbol streams.
 20. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim19 wherein a timing of a signature sequence of the respective signaturecontrol channel symbol stream is further synchronized in frequency andphase with the preamble period of the respective primary receive symbolstream of the at least one of the one or more composite receive symbolstreams.
 21. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 19 wherein atiming of a signature sequence of the respective signature controlchannel symbol stream is offset by a pre-determined amount of time fromthe preamble period of the respective primary receive symbol stream ofthe at least one of the one or more composite receive symbol streams.22. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 19 wherein a phasereference of the respective primary receive symbol stream is usable as aphase reference associated with the cancellation of the respectivesignature control channel symbol stream of the at least one of the oneor more composite receive symbol streams.
 23. The self-organizingbackhaul radio of claim 1, wherein the frequency selective receive pathchannel multiplexer further produces one or more receive non-compositesymbol streams from the plurality of receive chain output signals,wherein each respective one of the one or more non-composite receivesymbol streams comprises a respective primary receive symbol stream anddoes not comprise a respective signature control channel symbol stream.24. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 23 wherein the at leastone of the respective primary receive symbol streams of the one or morenon-composite receive symbol streams are coupled to a respectivedemodulator core of the one or more demodulator cores.
 25. Theself-organizing backhaul radio of claim 23 wherein at least one of theone or more non-composite receive symbol streams is coupled to thesignature link processor.
 26. The self-organizing backhaul radio ofclaim 25 wherein the signature link processor further provides at leastone primary receive symbol stream derived from the at least one of theone or more non-composite receive symbol streams to at least one of theone or more demodulator cores.
 27. The self-organizing backhaul radio ofclaim 1 wherein the frequency selective receive path channel multiplexerfurther provides at least one of said one or more primary receive symbolstreams directly to at least one of the one or more demodulator cores.28. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1 wherein the linearcombination associated with at least one of the one or more compositereceive symbol streams is performed at least partially simultaneously intime.
 29. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim 1, wherein aplurality of primary receive symbols associated with at least onerespective primary receive symbol stream and a plurality of signaturecontrol channel symbols associated with at least one respectivesignature control channel symbol stream are linearly combinedsimultaneously in time.
 30. The self-organizing backhaul radio of claim1, wherein the information associated with the pre-communicatedrespective signature control channel information is derived from atleast one of the one or more primary receive symbol streams.